July 16, 2025
San Juan County is again part of the Northwest Clean Air Agency after action taken July 10 by the agency’s Board of Directors.
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties formed the Northwest Air Pollution Authority (now NWCAA) in 1967 under authority granted by the Washington Clean Air Act. San Juan County withdrew its membership in the early 1980s.
At their July 10 meeting, NWCAA Board members adopted a resolution making the reunion official.
“Our experienced local team is ready to provide air quality resources to San Juan County. In the coming months, we’re looking forward to meeting and communicating with area residents and businesses,” said NWCAA Executive Director Mark Buford.
NWCAA’s Board of Directors has expanded from seven to nine members. The new seats went to the county and to the Town of Friday Harbor. They join representatives from Island, Skagit, and Whatcom counties and from the cities of Oak Harbor, Mount Vernon, and Bellingham (as well as an at-large member).
NWCAA’s Advisory Council also has expanded to include San Juan County representatives. The Advisory Council is made up of health officials, industry representatives, environmental advocates, and others.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency is responsible for enforcing federal, state, and local air quality regulations in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. In addition to permitting and regulating industrial sources of air pollution, the agency provides services and information related to asbestos, outdoor burning, wood smoke and wildfire smoke, and air quality data. More information about the agency is available at https://nwcleanairwa.gov/.