Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Governor Greg Abbott’s request to reclassify the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, and San Antonio metro areas from moderate to serious nonattainment of the current ozone standard. This reclassification necessitates the implementation of more stringent emission control strategies to meet the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone.
“More action is needed to bring millions of Texans the improved air quality they deserve,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Reclassifying these major metro areas gives the state of Texas more time to plan for attaining the ozone standard, while still holding the state accountable for meeting Clean Air Act requirements.”
Previously, under the moderate nonattainment classification, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston-Galveston-Brazoria had until August 3, 2024, and San Antonio had until September 24, 2024, to meet the ozone standard. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality missed a January 1, 2023 deadline to revise the state plan to attain this standard. This oversight triggered a Clean Air Act requirement imposing highway sanctions, emissions offsets, and other measures starting in 2025.
The new deadlines are set for August 3, 2027, for Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, and September 24, 2027, for San Antonio. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality must now revise its state clean-air plan with EPA approval to include more stringent measures for emissions control and contingency planning. Additionally, the state must continue fulfilling planning and control requirements applicable to moderate nonattainment areas.
EPA proposed approval of Governor Abbott’s request in January and conducted a 30-day public comment period.
Ground-level ozone contributes significantly to increased asthma attacks and various respiratory health issues, particularly affecting children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing breathing problems.
For further information about ozone and its health effects, visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-level-ozone-pollution.
