Oct. 16, 2025. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health – Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) is officially launching its Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) Program, an initiative designed to improve air quality and protect public health through community-based projects.
The SEP Program provides an alternative to traditional monetary penalties for individuals or businesses that violate air quality regulations. Instead of paying fines, an investment may be made in a SEP that delivers measurable benefits to air quality and public health in Washoe County.
AQMD is urging community-based organizations, nonprofits, public agencies, academic institutions, and tribal organizations to submit SEPs for consideration.
To submit a project idea, visit our website.
“This new program represents a powerful step forward for Washoe County, transforming past air quality issues into tangible community investments,” said Francisco Vega, Division Director for AQMD. “By channeling funds from air quality settlements directly into projects that produce cleaner air and better public health outcomes, we are creating a sustainable cycle of positive change for all our residents.”
Under the program, eligible projects may include:
- Reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or particulate matter (PM)
- Supporting alternative and active transportation
- Reducing urban heat island (UHI) effects
- Increasing building efficiency
- Reducing wildland fire fuels through non-fire treatments
- Providing public health protections from air pollution
- Expanding air quality education, outreach, or compliance training
- Researching local air quality issues
All SEPs are required to be located within Washoe County and must result in tangible, measurable benefits to air quality or public health. Eligible projects will be ranked within cost ranges up to $100,000, where they can be selected by violators as part of their settlement agreements. All SEPs are ultimately approved by the District Board of Health.
Representatives of eligible organizations can go to the SEP Program webpage here (https://www.nnph.org/programs-and-services/air-quality/supplemental-environmental-project-program.php) for more information and how to apply.
For more information on NNPH Air Quality Management Division, visit www.OurCleanAir.com.
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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Population Health. More info can be found here.