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.