The Advance Program is a collaborative effort between DHEC, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and local stakeholders throughout South Carolina. The program encourages and supports the development and implementation of local voluntary actions to reduce emissions in areas attaining the EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), including every county in South Carolina. The program's intent is to encourage local partners to take proactive steps where they live to help our state continue to meet the NAAQS.

When South Carolinians collaborate to reduce air pollution, we can determine effective strategies to protect public and environmental health while ensuring that every part of the state continues to enjoy clean air. DHEC’s Bureau of Air quality has developed an Advance Reporting Tool (ART) which enables local governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals to report emissions reduction efforts in their area. This tool will be used to compile and report data to the EPA as required for South Carolina’s participation in the Advance Program.

If you have any questions on using the Advance Reporting Tool, or about the Advance Program in general, please contact Amy Curran at Amy.Curran@des.sc.gov or (803) 898-1644.

For more information about the Air Quality Coalition in your region of South Carolina, please contact the coalition representative listed below:

ARTS/Metropolitan Planning Organization
Mariah Harris, Strategic Planning Manager, City of Augusta, Georgia
(706) 821-1810

BCDCOG Clean Air and Climate Coalition 
Kristin Miguez, Senior Environmental Planner, Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester COG
(843) 529-2589

Catawba Air Quality Coalition 
Stephen Allen, Senior Planner, Catawba Regional COG
(843) 327-9041

Central Midlands Air Partnership 
Gregory Sprouse - Director of Research, Planning, and Development - Central Midlands COG
(803) 744-5158

Upstate Air Quality Advisory Committee 
Dean Hybl, Executive Director, Ten at the Top
(864) 283-0345

Waccamaw Air Coalition 
Chelsea Cogliano, Associate Planner, Waccamaw Regional COG
(843) 436-6129