• South Dakotans share a bond with the land, water and air. Our farmers and ranchers earn their living working in the fields and grasslands. We find recreation in hunting and fishing, or enjoying nature's beauty while hiking, camping or boating.
• Our strong connection to South Dakota's natural resources enables us to enjoy first-class air quality. Because we're used to having clean air, it is easy to become complacent and take our air quality for granted. 
• We need to recognize communities like Rapid City, which recently ranked as one of the top four Cleanest Cities in America for all three evaluation points of short-term and year-round particle (dust/soot) and ozone (smog) pollution. Rapid City has vastly improved since the 1980s when it received a poor air quality rating, to a B grade last year and an A this year.
• Congratulations to the families, businesses, and leaders of Rapid City, Pennington County, and the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on their work to reduce air pollution and promote a healthy, clean environment for all.
• Air cleanliness is measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI). A low score from 0 to

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