BLM Utah Air Resources Management Program

The BLM uses the best available science to proactively manage air quality during land management planning and when authorizing uses of the public lands. The BLM considers the potential effects of projects, programs, and activities on air quality at the planning, leasing, and project level. 

Because air pollution does not stop at county or state lines, the science and practice of air pollution control has been moving to managing air quality on an airshed basis, rather than limiting management based on political boundaries. The BLM incorporates the “one atmosphere” approach into its airshed management work. The one atmosphere approach addresses pollutants in an area holistically, rather than addressing each separately. While using this approach, BLM Utah works with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and our other public and private partners to collaboratively manage airshed resources across the State of Utah.

BLM Utah’s most recent Air Resource Management Strategy (ARMS) was finalized in May 2018. It includes four main elements: airshed management, NEPA analysis, air monitoring, and public education and awareness. Each element informs the others. The BLM Utah ARMS strategy can be found in the Quick Links.