Ozone season for the 10-county nonattainment area is coming to an end on November 30 because there is a greater risk of ground-level ozone pollution when temperatures are higher and there is less wind. Due to missed deadlines for compliance, the North Texas region has been reclassified and faces stricter air quality requirements. The region was upgraded from serious to severe nonattainment under the 2008 standard, with a deadline of 2027 to achieve compliance.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) continues to support programs and policies to help the area meet attainment of both standards and avoid further sanctions. Efforts include federal air quality performance measures; missions reduction strategies; and continuing to coordinate with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on regional impacts of reclassification. Area residents can help by using public transportation; reducing the number of trips by combining errands; reducing the use of single-occupancy vehicles by carpooling; taking part in air quality education programs, such as Air North Texas; and avoiding idling vehicle engines

Sign up for air pollution alerts at AirNorthTexas.org.