It is with pride that we congratulate the city of Fargo for being recognized by the American Lung Association as a city with some of the cleanest air in the nation. Actions taken at the state and local levels continue to maintain the high level of environmental quality that the residents of Fargo and the surrounding areas enjoy.
As we congratulate Fargo and its surrounding areas, we should be reminded that this achievement extends to all of North Dakota's residents. Not only did the American Lung Association recognize Fargo/Cass County for its clean air, but it also gave grade A's to all of the counties in North Dakota where ozone and particle pollution are monitored. In fact, North Dakota is the only state in the nation to receive all A's.
We can be proud of our state's air quality. North Dakota has consistently met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that public health and welfare are protected. This distinction has not occurred by accident but is the direct result of the ongoing efforts of federal, state and local governments, as well as industry and local citizens, striving to find cleaner and more efficient ways to conduct business, grow food and live in North Dakota.
Although we enjoy a great quality of life in North Dakota today, we must remain diligent in our actions as we continue to address all of the environmental challenges that are the result of growing populations, climate change and industrial activities. Through ongoing technological innovations, regulatory oversight and environmentally friendly efforts by cities like Fargo, we are confident that the quality of our environment in North Dakota will remain excellent.
