April 17: Lane Regional Air Protection Agency

The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency represents an unusual approach to protecting air quality. In most of the State that task is a function of the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. LRAPA presents a local opportunity to maintain air quality. The presentation will discuss how LRAPA provides essential local services through monitoring, enforcement, and community engagement, while creating a balanced approach that serves both environmental and economic interests. This presentation will explore emerging challenges, including increasing wildfire smoke events, and new opportunities through technological innovation. As federal environmental policies shift, Executive Director Travis Knudsen will outline how LRAPA creates certainty and stability for Lane County residents and businesses while maintaining its commitment to public health and environmental protection. Mr. Knudsen will also discuss his vision for the agency which includes embracing AI technology as a transformative tool for the agency’s work, creating certainty for businesses and residents amid changing federal environmental policies and addressing the growing challenge of wildfire smoke in the region.