About WESTAR
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What is WESTAR?

The Western States Air Resources Council (WESTAR) was founded in 1988 by eight western state air agencies. Since hiring staff and opening its office in early 1992, the Council has grown to fifteen states extending from Alaska to New Mexico; from Hawaii to North and South Dakota. WESTAR was formed to promote the exchange of information between the States, serve as a forum to discuss western regional air quality issues of common concern and share resources for the common benefit of the member states. WESTAR, located in Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and Springfield, Oregon, has a staff of five and is funded primarily by EPA grants.

Member States:                                     Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming Federal Land Management Partners: U.S. Department of the Interior  - National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service

Purpose

The purposes of the WESTAR Council are to:

• Promote the exchange of information related to the control of air pollution for use in state and federal activities as authorized by air quality statutes and regulations;
• Develop processes and procedures for consideration by western states, federal land managers and EPA in order to meet air quality objectives and to protect the environmental resources;
• Discuss air quality issues of common concern;
• Report on the status of efforts undertaken to achieve air quality objectives;
• Establish work groups, task forces, etc., to investigate specific topics and to recommend a course of action for Council members;
• Adopt resolutions and policy statements for implementation by Council members or for their use during the development of local, state and federal programs, regulations and laws.