About 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 Santa Fe, New Mexico, Portland, Oregon, and Fort Collins, Colorado, has a staff of five and is funded primarily by federal grants.

In 2013, the Western Regional Air Partnership (WRAP) joined WESTAR, bringing additional federal, tribal, and local air agency members.

The purpose of the WESTAR Council is 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.