Fossil fuel development and the toxic burning of hazardous waste are just a few factors contributing to the degradation of Montana's air quality. With the ultimate goal of air that is clean and safe to breathe, MEIC works with citizen groups, supports legislation, and acts as an agency watchdog to ensure that regulations are complied with and enforced.

MEIC's current Air Quality Program includes:

• Mercury Emissions. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that causes birth defects, autism, heart disease and more. MEIC reached a landmark agreement with the 116 megawatt coal-fired Hardin Generating Station. The company agreed to install technology to control mercury emissions, making it the first power plant in Montana to do so. MEIC is also leading the effort to have Montana adopt a new policy that would require all power plants to control mercury emissions by 90%.
• Tire Burning. MEIC is actively opposing efforts by Holcim Cement Co. to burn tires for fuel in its Trident, Montana kiln. MEIC and Montanans Against Toxic Burning successfully pressured the Department of Environmental Quality to produce an environmental impact statement on this harmful proposal and to better enforce the law in the case of Holcim’s violations of air quality standards. MEIC also alerted DEQ to the problem of unauthorized slag use at the Holcim cement plant.
• Coal-fired Power Plants.  MEIC is opposing the construction of several new coal-fired power plants in Montana, both because they are not needed and because they threaten air quality.
  
• Air Pollution Permitting Process. MEIC helped pass a bill in the 2005 Legislative Session enhancing public participation in regard to air quality permits by doubling the length of public comment periods.