147 days

WHERE DO WE STAND?

Clean air is key to ensure quality of life for all residents of Central Texas. While air quality in Central Texas has shown improvement in the past, over the past 3 years, air quality in Travis County has declined to just 147 days with good air quality in 2023,  compared to 260 in 2020. In 2023 there were 11 days where the air was unhealthy for sensitive groups (the highest it’s been in over 10 years).  In addition,  there were 218 days when air pollution levels in the region were considered “moderate” or worse.

Our region has exceeded the current ozone standard. As of 2023, our design value for ozone is 71 parts per billion (ppb).  The current EPA standard is 70 ppb.

The EPA calculates the Air Quality Index by measuring ground level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

AIR QUALITY BY TYPE

Travis County had 11 days when air quality was unhealthy for sensitive groups in 2023. Sensitive groups include people with lung diseases, children, older adults, and people who exercise or work outdoors. In 2023, the number of days with moderate air quality increased by 46% over the previous year. The EPA’s AirNow website shares local, real-time air quality data to help people protect their health.

COMPARISON TO OTHER CITIES

The Austin MSA had moderately good air quality, when compared to these select US cities. Portland, OR, San Antonio, TX, and Seattle WA had more days with good air quality in 2023. Denver and Houston had the fewest number of good air quality  days among these cities in 2023.

DESIGN VALUE TREND

One way the EPA measures the air quality status of a given location relative to the NAAQS is using a statistic called the “design value”. Design values are commonly used to designate and classify non-attainment areas and as tools to measure progress towards meeting the NAAQS. All areas of the country are required to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).

Our region remains near the current ozone standard. As of 2022, our design value for ozone is 64 parts per billion (ppb).  The standard is 70 ppb. In 2021, there were 116 days when air pollution levels in the region were considered “moderate” or worse.

Air Central Texas is a regional clean air campaign that serves the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area consisting of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson County. It is coordinated by the Capital Area Council of Governments with support form the Central Texas Clean Air Coalition.