March 2015
Ozone season begins in North Texas
The Ozone season began in North Texas on March 1. Although the region’s air quality typically does not encounter problems until late spring or early summer, when the temperature heats up, North Texans are encouraged to consider how their actions could improve the air during ozone season, which lasts through October.
Last year, the region took important steps toward meeting the federal government’s standard after the ozone levels remained flat for several years.
The 2014 ozone season ended with the region having met the previous standard of less than 85 parts per billion; however, 10 counties remain in nonattainment for the current standard of 75 ppb or less.
NCTCOG maintains many policies and programs intended to help residents and businesses participate in clean air efforts. One is Air North Texas, which provides individuals, local governments and businesses lists of strategies they can implement when air quality is forecast to be poor. The centerpiece of the campaign is the annual celebration of Clean Air Action Day on June 26. On this first Friday of summer, participants will be asked to do one additional thing to contribute to an improvement in the region’s ozone concentration. More participants made commitments in 2014 than in any other year since Clean Air Action Day began.
Individuals, businesses and local governments can participate by pledging to implement at least one clean air action not normally part of their schedules, such as carpooling, using mass transit, bicycling or walking. Find ideas, learn more about the event and submit Clean Air Action Day commitments at www.airnorthtexas.org.
Signing up for air pollution alerts will help residents and employers stay informed of when additional clear air actions are recommended. |
nctcog.org/localmotion
$1 million
The amount of money available through the North Central Texas Clean School Bus Call For Projects to entities wishing to improve the emissions of their bus fleets.
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