Clean Air Minnesota

Region

State of Minnesota

Timeline

2003 - present

Contact

Eben Kowler Email Eben Kowler

Clean Air Minnesota is a coalition of air quality leaders convened by Environmental Initiative who are working voluntarily and proactively to reduce fine particulate matter (soot) and ground-level ozone (smog).

Together, we:

Identify and prioritize strategies to reduce air pollution.
Develop, fund, and implement projects to improve air quality.
Track emissions reductions achieved and share outcomes with the wider community.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the majority of the air pollutants of concern today come from smaller, widespread sources that are not regulated in the way power plants and factories are. These sources include cars, trucks, construction equipment, small businesses, and residential wood burning.

These sources contribute nearly 75% of air pollution emissions in the state.

A group of six colleagues gathered around a conference table in a bright meeting room. At the head of the table, a man in a light striped shirt and glasses stands gesturing toward a whiteboard covered in clusters of yellow sticky notes and hand‑drawn diagrams. Seated around the table are four other adults—two women and two men—listening attentively; one woman rests her chin on her hand, another types on a laptop. On the table are printed handouts, pens, coffee mugs, and a tall speaker. The scene conveys an engaged brainstorming session.

Clean Air Minnesota's strategic refresh

Following a proactive strategic refresh, Clean Air Minnesota (CAM) partners are digging into new ideas to reduce air pollution collaboratively. Learn more about our next steps for cleaner air and get involved.

Learn more

A group of people seated around U-shaped tables in a bright, modern meeting room with hardwood floors. One person stands at the open end holding papers, speaking to the attentive circle of attendees. A whiteboard and glass-walled office space are visible in the background, and notebooks, water bottles, and coffee mugs sit on the tables.

Project Teams

Project teams meet quarterly to coordinate, collaborate, and develop specific projects to reduce emissions from Minnesota’s smaller, widespread, and less regulated sources of air pollution. Current project teams include:

Area sources.
Mobile sources.
Wood smoke.

Contact Eben Kowler if you are interested in learning more or joining a project team.

Our Leadership

Clean Air Minnesota is co-chaired by the American Lung Association in Minnesota and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The individuals listed below serve in an advisory capacity to Environmental Initiative staff for the partnership.

Jon Hunter, American Lung Association – Co-chair
Andrew Morley, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce – Co-chair
Paul Aasen, Minnesota Safety Council
David Benke, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Kathy Raleigh, Minnesota Department of Health
Eric David, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Dan Donkers, Ramsey County
Tyler Ellis, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Meghan Faricy, 3M
LesLee Jackson, Northside Green Zone
Kartumu King, Environmental Justice Coordinating Council Fellow
Jennifer Koenen, Barr Engineering
Frank Kohlasch, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Jenni Lansing, City of Minneapolis Health Department
Ann Lee, Flint Hills Resources
Chris Nelson, Post Consumer Brands
Hillary Thomas, Environmental Justice Coordinating Council Fellow
Brian Timerson, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

26 tons

of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

24 tons

of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

2 tons

of Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)

Latest news

Clean Air Minnesota’s strategic refresh: What’s next and how you can help

Following a proactive strategic refresh, Clean Air Minnesota (CAM) partners are digging into new ideas to reduce air pollution collaboratively. Learn more about our next steps for cleaner air and get involved.

Clean Air Minnesota

Be air aware with the Air Quality Index

Do you know how air quality can affect your health? You might not be able to see it, but the air you breathe could contain dangerous pollutants. The Air Quality Index can let you know what the quality of the air outside is before you open a window or step out for a walk.

Clean Air Minnesota

Clean Air Minnesota earns spot as finalist for Harvard’s Roy Family Award

Clean Air Minnesota is a finalist for the 2024 Roy Family Award for Environmental Partnership from Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. This recognition highlights our collaboration to reduce air pollution and enhance environmental quality through innovative, voluntary efforts.