Protecting Idaho’s air is one of DEQ’s core objectives. We assess outdoor air quality across the state to determine the condition of Idaho’s airsheds and ensure compliance with state and federal health-based standards.

Idaho has delegated authority from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue air quality permits and enforce air quality regulations as outlined in the Clean Air Act, outside of Indian Reservation boundaries. States with this authority are authorized to develop plans demonstrating how they will achieve, maintain, and enforce the health-based standards. Jointly, these are known as state implementation plans (SIPs).