This service area is responsible for managing air quality in the region under authority delegated from the Provincial government under the Environmental Management Act, and coordinating climate change policy and planning with partner local governments. The service is guided by the development and implementation of air quality management and climate change plans that (a) recognize the strong connections among air quality, health and climate change, and (b) integrate actions, whenever possible, to reduce both air contaminants and greenhouse gases across the region. Reduction efforts involve both regulatory and non-regulatory initiatives.

To support Metro Vancouver’s commitment to protect the environment and conserve resources, the Environmental Regulation and Enforcement division negotiates and issues permits, orders and licenses, and then promotes compliance and enforces air quality bylaws. According to a discharger pays principle, these regulatory costs are recovered through fees.