Advance Program and Air Quality Coalitions

The Advance Program is a collaborative effort between DHEC, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and local stakeholders throughout South Carolina. The program encourages and supports the development and implementation of local voluntary actions to reduce emissions in areas attaining the EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), including every county in South Carolina. The program's intent is to encourage local partners to take proactive steps where they live to help our state continue to meet the NAAQS.

When South Carolinians collaborate to reduce air pollution, we can determine effective strategies to protect public and environmental health while ensuring that every part of the state continues to enjoy clean air. DHEC’s Bureau of Air quality has developed an Advance Reporting Tool (ART) which enables local governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals to report emissions reduction efforts in their area. This tool will be used to compile and report data to the EPA as required for South Carolina’s participation in the Advance Program.

If you have any questions on using the Advance Reporting Tool, or about the Advance Program in general, please contact Amy Curran at curranaa@dhec.sc.gov or (803) 898-1644.

Another aspect of DHEC’s efforts to support the continuous improvement of our state’s air quality is the South Carolina Air Quality Coalitions. These groups help coordinate air pollution reduction efforts in their respective region and partner with DHEC to share resources and expertise. For general questions about South Carolina’s Air Quality Coalitions, please contact Sam Christmus at christsw@dhec.sc.gov or (803) 898-0171. For more information about the Air Quality Coalition in your region of South Carolina, please contact the coalition representative listed below:

 
Map of SC