Multiple environmental conferences addressed air quality and emerging contaminants in 2026

Environmental groups and government agencies held several air quality conferences across the United States in early 2026. The Midwest Air and Waste Management Association brought together experts on 22 April for its 33rd annual technical conference, where speakers covered topics including data centres, chemical contaminants known as PFAS, and regulatory compliance. A representative from the US Environmental Protection Agency spoke about enforcement, while another speaker addressed climate action in Kansas City.

Earlier in the year, a Washington DC policy forum met on 23 and 24 February to discuss PFAS, water agency cybersecurity, and workforce issues. The University of Colorado also hosted a northern air quality event featuring research presentations on atmospheric chemistry. Experts noted that pollution patterns had been shifting eastward after years of being concentrated mainly in western states.