WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBSDFW.COM/AP) – The Obama administration is proposing stricter emissions limits on ozone, a pollutant that leads to smog and is linked to asthma and respiratory illness. The proposal calls for new ozone limits of between 65 parts per billion and 70 parts per billion, with the final level to be set next year.
Because of existing pollution controls and emissions regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency projects that all but nine counties are positioned to meet a standard of 70 parts per billion in 2025 without taking any additional steps.
Of the nine counties across the country that won’t meet the standard, outside of California, five are in Texas, two are in Connecticut, and one each in Maryland and New York.
— Brazoria County (Texas)
Population: 329,137
Projected air quality in 2025: 74 parts per billion
— Harris County (Texas)
Population: 4,259,951
Projected air quality in 2025: 74 parts per billion
— Dallas County (Texas)
Population: 2,415,058
Projected air quality in 2025: 71 parts per billion
— Tarrant County (Texas)
Population: 1,884,216
Projected air quality in 2025: 75 parts per billion
— Denton County (Texas)
Population: 710,841
Projected air quality in 2025: 72 parts per billion
Sources: Environmental Protection Agency, 2013 population estimates
Air North Texas has more information about local air quality and each year promotes and participates in Clean Action Air Day.
(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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