The nine counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant are classified as nonattainment for ozone.
NCTCOG has worked extensively with the area cities, counties, transit providers and businesses throughout the past several years on policies and projects aimed at bringing the region into compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s ozone regulations. But the region narrowly missed the standard last year. NCTCOG and its partners continue to work toward the goal, even as the standard changes.
The federal government altered the ozone threshold from 85 parts per billion to 75 ppb in 2008. Another change is expected soon as EPA seeks to more adequately protect Americans’ health.
NCTCOG has helped the region improve its air quality with policies encouraging the use of cleaner-burning engines and construction equipment, idle-reduction technology and other policies and programs that seek to reduce ozone-forming pollution.
AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine allows qualifying residents to receive $3,000 vouchers ($3,500 for hybrid vehicles) toward the purchase of a cleaner-burning vehicle. The program has helped 20,000 residents buy newer vehicles. AirCheckTexas also provides $600 vouchers for qualifying residents to repair vehicles that fail the emissions portion of the state-mandated automobile inspection, leading to 20,000 repairs.

NCTCOG has used a combination of community outreach, projects, policies and programs to improve the region's air quality. Last year, the region almost reached attainment of the federal standard. But more work remains. The Environmental Protection Agency is toughening the standard to better protect Americans' health.
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