Report: Many Indiana Counties Receive Poor Grades For Air Quality

The American Lung Association's 2026 "State of the Air" report reveals a concerning picture of air quality across Indiana, with several counties receiving poor grades ranging from "C" to "F" for soot and smog levels. Specifically, Lake, Laporte, and Porter counties were identified as having the highest number of "orange" or ozone days. Tiffany Nichols, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association, highlighted the importance of monitoring air quality, particularly during warmer weather, and noted that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management issues "No Zone Action Days." She also addressed a recurring concern among Hoosiers regarding the environmental impact of data centers, stating that the American Lung Association receives regular inquiries about whether these facilities contribute to increased contaminant levels. Nichols emphasized that data centers can be a source of pollution and urged developers to collaborate with communities and utilize renewable, zero-emission energy sources for power. Other factors influencing Indiana's air quality, such as emissions from major interstates and the 2025 Canadian wildfires, were also mentioned in the report.