Detroit air quality gets another F from American Lung Association

Detroit's air quality has once again received a failing grade from the American Lung Association's annual State of the Air report, with levels of ozone and fine particulate matter slightly worsening. The Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor region ranks among the nation's worst for short-term and year-round PM2.5 pollution and has seen an increase in unhealthy ozone days, according to the report based on data from 2022-2024. Wayne County specifically saw an increase in annual unhealthy PM2.5 days from 8.5 to 9.3. The report specifically highlights the rapid development of data centers as a potential contributor to air pollution, citing their growing energy usage and reliance on regional power grids that still use coal and methane gas. It notes that clusters of diesel generators at data center hubs can rival emissions from small power plants. The American Lung Association is urging Michigan policymakers to strengthen air pollution protections and ensure that any new data center proposals are designed in partnership with the community and powered by renewable, zero-emission energy sources. This comes as Michigan regulators are set to hold a virtual hearing on a proposal that could weaken air quality protections in Southeast Michigan. The EPA, criticized by the American Lung Association for weakening enforcement and rolling back rules, did not immediately respond to comment.