Nearly One Million Drivers in Alabama Told To Limit Driving Gas Cars

On March 11, 2025, Newsweek reported that nearly one million residents in Alabama were issued a “Code Red” pollution warning due to dangerously poor air quality. In the affected areas of Jefferson and Shelby counties, the concentration of particulate matter had surged to unhealthy levels, prompting significant public health concerns.

According to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), particulate matter levels were forecasted to reach levels deemed harmful to public health. Individuals most vulnerable to these conditions include those with heart or lung disease, children, and the elderly, though the warning applies to over 900,000 people in total.

Jefferson County, home to Alabama’s largest city, Birmingham, was at the center of this alert. The county has a population of over 674,000 residents, while neighboring Shelby County is home to more than 223,000 people. As air quality continued to worsen, health officials urged residents to take immediate steps to reduce exposure to pollution.

The Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) issued a series of recommendations to help mitigate the impact of poor air quality, including:

• Limiting driving: Drivers were urged to reduce their use of gas-powered cars. Public transportation, carpooling, or simply combining errands could help reduce the levels of harmful emissions in the air.
• Avoiding outdoor activities: Particularly for those with preexisting health conditions, reducing outdoor activities was crucial. The JCDH recommended walking instead of jogging and avoiding exercise near busy roads where pollution levels were highest.
• Closing windows and doors: As particulate matter could affect indoor air quality, it was important to keep windows and doors closed. Reducing indoor sources of pollution—such as tobacco smoke, certain cooking methods, and the use of candles or incense—helped minimize exposure.
• Limiting outdoor equipment use: Residents were also encouraged to avoid using gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, which contributed to poor air quality.

The Impact of Particulate Matter

Particulate matter, often referred to as PM2.5, consists of tiny particles in the air that are small enough to be inhaled into the lungs. These particles are typically produced by vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and wildfires, among other sources. Long-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter is linked to various respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease.

The Code Red warning underscored a growing concern about air quality, not just in Alabama, but across the United States. In recent years, pollution levels have increased significantly, and with climate change accelerating, such air quality alerts are becoming increasingly common in urban centers across the nation.

A Growing Public Health Crisis

As communities around the world grapple with climate-related issues, the frequency of extreme air quality alerts are rising. For those living in areas affected by these conditions, the consequences were clear: vulnerable populations faced increased risks, and the strain on healthcare systems could escalate as a result.

Similar alerts to motorists were issued by several other states recently, with car owners in California and Texas urged to temporarily avoid driving gas- and diesel-powered vehicles and refrain from visiting gas stations. Clean air officials in Indiana and Colorado also turned their sights on gas car drivers as they attempt to tackle the problem of poor air quality and pollution.

As Alabama’s Code Red pollution alert continued, the hope was that individuals would heed the warnings and take proactive steps to protect their health and the environment. The impact of such measures—combined with greater awareness and action—was expected to help reduce the frequency and severity of future pollution events.

EVs Provide Cleaner Air

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly gaining popularity, and for good reason. Beyond their sleek designs and high-tech features, EVs offer significant environmental and financial benefits that make them an appealing choice for today’s drivers.

Cleaner Air for a Healthier Future

One of the most significant advantages of EVs is their environmental impact. Unlike traditional gas-powered vehicles, which emit harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. This means that when you drive an EV, you’re not contributing to air pollution, which helps to reduce smog and improve air quality, especially in urban areas.

The shift to EVs plays a critical role in tackling climate change. With the transportation sector being one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to electric-powered transportation is essential for reducing the carbon footprint. The cleaner air benefits are particularly important in cities where high levels of vehicle emissions contribute to health problems like asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease. By choosing an EV, you’re not only helping the environment but also improving public health.

The American Lung Association’s Push for a Pollution-Free Future

The American Lung Association is working tirelessly to advocate for policies that make transportation pollution-free. Their efforts aim to ensure that every community has access to cleaner air, while helping reduce the harmful effects of climate change. By continuing to push for more robust zero-emission vehicle adoption and standards, investments in clean transportation infrastructure, and stronger policies to phase out pollution-heavy vehicles, they are paving the way for a healthier future for all Americans.

The American Lung Association reported that with achieving 100 percent zero-emission passenger vehicle sales and non-combustion clean electricity generation by 2035, the national cumulative health benefits could reach the following levels by 2050:

$978 billion in public health benefits
89,300 fewer premature deaths
2.2 million fewer asthma attacks
10.7 million fewer lost workdays

EVs Save Drivers Money

While the initial cost of an EV is currently higher than that of a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, the overall cost of ownership is lower in the long run. Here’s why:

Lower Fuel Costs: Charging an electric vehicle is significantly cheaper than filling up a gas tank. The cost per mile driven in an EV is much lower than that of a gas-powered vehicle, especially if you charge at home. Plus, many EV owners can take advantage of public charging stations, which are often free or more affordable than gas stations.

Less Maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. They don’t require oil changes, and their brakes tend to last longer because regenerative braking technology reduces wear. This means fewer trips to the mechanic and lower maintenance costs over time.

Tax Incentives and Rebates: Many state governments and utilities offer attractive financial incentives for purchasing EVs, such as tax credits, rebates, and grants. These incentives can significantly offset the higher purchase price, making EVs more accessible to a broader range of consumers.

Longevity: EVs are known for their durability. With fewer mechanical components that can wear out, an electric vehicle can last longer than a gas-powered car. Additionally, battery technology is improving rapidly, meaning newer EVs come with longer-lasting batteries and warranties that provide peace of mind for owners.

The Future of Transportation is Electric

As technology continues to evolve, electric vehicles are becoming more affordable, efficient, and practical. Advances in battery technology are leading to longer driving ranges, shorter charging times, and lower overall costs. More automakers are expanding their electric vehicle offerings, giving consumers a wider variety of options to choose from, whether they’re looking for a compact car, a luxury sedan, or even an electric truck.

EVs are also becoming more integrated with renewable energy sources. Charging an EV with solar power, for example, further reduces its carbon footprint, allowing you to drive cleanly and sustainably.

If you are concerned about air quality, contact government representatives and demand that they support EV adoption.