Clearing the Air
A solutions journalism series examining air pollution across the DMV — its real impact on our communities, and what’s actually being done about it.
DC received an “F” for air quality in 2025 · Solutions Journalism · We don’t just report the problem. We follow the work. · Impact-tracked reporting since 1964
Air Quality · DMV Communities
What Is Solutions Journalism? We Don’t Just Report the Problem. We Follow the Work.
Solutions journalism is rigorous reporting that goes beyond documenting what’s broken. It examines credible responses to community challenges — tracking what’s working, what’s not, and why.
For our air quality coverage, that means we don’t just ask “Is DC’s air getting worse?” We ask: Which neighborhoods are most affected? What are residents actually experiencing? Which policy changes, infrastructure investments, or community initiatives are making a measurable difference — and which aren’t living up to the hype?
Ozone Strikes Again: D.C. Receives ‘F’ in 2026 State of the Air
Washington, D.C., received a failing grade in the American Lung Association’s 2026 State of the Air report for ozone pollution, while showing improvement in other areas, and communities of color are disproportionately affected by poor air quality.
Why Trust The Washington Informer on Air Quality?
Community-Embedded Reporting
We have established relationships with DMV residents, community organizations, and environmental advocates across all eight wards — giving our reporters access and trust other outlets don’t have.
Impact Tracking
We don’t just publish and move on. We track outcomes — returning to neighborhoods, organizations, and decision-makers to measure real change over time and report on what’s actually working.
60 Years of Community Trust
The Informer has served the DMV since 1964. Our readers trust us — and so do the community leaders, scientists, and policymakers we report on. We don’t compromise that trust.
Your Neighborhood Experience Still Matters.
The survey is still open. Tell us what air quality feels like where you live and help shape what we report next.
Take the SurveyThis Coverage Takes Community Support.
Solutions journalism is resource-intensive. Following impact means multiple reporting trips, community interviews, data analysis, and sustained editorial investment across months.
Become a Washington Informer member today and keep solutions journalism in the DMV.
Support This WorkThe Washington Informer · Solutions Journalism · Clearing the Air · Serving the DMV since 1964