The Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its founding with a celebration at 5:30 PM this evening. The event will be hosted at the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, Nix Conference Room, located at 175 Emery Hwy, Suite C, Macon, GA 31217. The event will highlight the accomplishments of the Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition over the past twenty years, those who were influential in the organization’s leadership, and its vision for the future.

The Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition (MGCAC) was founded in December 2003 following the initial proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to designate three counties in non-attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 8-Hour Ozone. This was a designation that would directly harm the region’s economy and would particularly endanger the standing of Robins Air Force Base under a potential base realignment or closure. The purpose of the MGCAC is to develop a long-term regional response to air quality issues while encouraging economic growth and ensuring the health and economic well-being of residents.

Leadership from the members and partners of the MGCAC has allowed major projects to be undertaken to mitigate significant point sources of pollution while also supporting the transition to a future with cleaner energy generation throughout the region and state. Today, every county in Middle Georgia is in compliance with all National Ambient Air Quality Standards, including many that are more stringent than in 2003. This achievement will be a highlight of the evening’s celebration as regional leaders look toward future opportunities to promote cleaner air and environmental sustainability.