The Problem
Ground-level ozone and PM2.5 pollution are a challenge in Central Texas
Central Texas faces both Ozone and PM2.5 issues
Central Texans face two major air quality issues: Tropospheric (lowest level of the atmosphere) Ozone and Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Greater Austin continues to be in Attainment to the Clean Air Act / NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards), but all other large cities in Texas are now in non-Attainment. Even though we are currently in compliance, we must deal with Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels higher than 89% of the rest of the USA. Plus, some 40% of our citizens fall into what is considered a “Sensitive Group” that poor air quality impacts significantly. People in sensitive groups are children, teens, seniors, people with lung or heart disease, and adults who are active outdoor, either for work or recreation. People in sensitive groups are hardest hit by poor air quality, but we all suffer from its consequences.
Additionally, poor air quality hits our pocketbooks, too. Failure to have good air quality — and falling out of EPA attainment, will cause mandatory federal restrictions on how we do business…actions that have already impacted other metropolitan areas around the nation, including all other larger Texas cities.
Regulating Our Air Quality
The Federal Clean Air Act requires that all metropolitan areas maintain standards (allowable levels) for air quality. The EPA monitors regional air quality and classifies areas that exceed these levels as “non-attainment areas.” Non-attainment regions are required to develop plans to improve air quality with EPA-mandated roadway funding restrictions, vehicle emissions testing, and limits on new business-related emissions. Central Texas has had recent violations of the EPA 8-hour standard for ground-level ozone. Repeated violations could force our region to be designated as non-attainment in the near future.
To avoid these violations and the non-attainment designation, our region has put forth early action efforts within Central Texas (the Clean Air Partners Program being one of those), working to reduce our air pollution levels and avoid a non-attainment designation. Clean Air Partners is a way to encourage businesses to take action and make an impact.
What are Ground-Level Ozone and PM2.5?
Ground-level ozone is a clear, odorless gas formed when certain pollutants “cook” on warm, sunny days with little wind. There are plenty of days just like this all summer long in our region!
Particulate matter, or PM2.5, is a mixture of very fine particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or less. These particles are from a mix of sources, including powerplants, industry, and automobiles.
High PM2.5 and ozone levels are a health hazard to everyone, but especially to children, the elderly, people who are active outdoors, and those with existing respiratory conditions. In addition to the negative health impacts for individuals, failing to meet the air quality standard could create economic hardships for our businesses, local governments, and citizens if Central Texas falls out of compliance with the federal Clean Air Act.
P.O. Box 29295
Austin, TX 78755
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