Looking Back at the 2023 Ozone Season
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2023 Measure Less High Ozone Days than 2022!
The five-county Austin, Round Rock, San Marcos Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced another irregular ozone season - March 1 to October 31 - with 19 days of ozone levels that were unhealthy for sensitive groups and one day at a level unhealthy for all individuals. In comparison, 2018-2021 had 17 unhealthy for sensitive group days combined.
This ozone season did not continue 2022's record breaking trend of ozone concentrations being moderate or worse for more than 50 percent of the days measured. This year's ozone levels were closer 2011's levels, the region's previous record year for high ozone. However, these levels are still well above 2012 -2021's average ozone levels.
With the 2024 Ozone Season fast approaching, it is important to do our part to help keep our air clean. Here are a few ways to reduce or prevent ozone pollution:
- Drive less whenever possible, and skip drive-thru lanes and turn off your vehicle while waiting in the car.
- Telecommute or avoid commuting during rush hours.
- Reduce your overall energy consumption, if possible. This takes the burden off power plants.
Looking Back with 2023's Backwind Trajectories
This year, Air Central Texas is working to make air quality data more easily accessible to the public, and we're starting by sharing an analysis of last year's backwind trajectories on high ozone days. These analyses give a better understanding of where ozone pollution from outside of the region comes from, as well as trends on high ozone days.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) HYSPLIT back trajectory system can track what Texas counties the wind traveled through before reaching Central Texas air quality monitors on high ozone days. With our map, you can view each individual ozone monitor's backwind trajectory for 2023.
Contact rzarate@capcog.org with questions about backwind trajectories and the 2023 map.
Air Quality News
US Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to EPA's 'Good Neighbor' Air Pollution Plan - The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would hear a bid to block the Environmental Protection Agency from enforcing a federal regulation aimed at reducing ozone emissions that may worsen air pollution in neighboring states. (Reuters)
Switching to Plant-Based Diets Means Cleaner Air - and it Could Save More Than 200,000 Lives Around the World - Research has established air pollution on the list of problems caused by agriculture. Animal farming, in particular, is a major source of ammonia emissions. These emissions react with other pollutants to form fine particulate matter, which can cause health issues like cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and diabetes. (The Conversation)
'Major' Problem in Texas: How Big Polluters Evade Federal Law and Get Away With It - Inside Climate News compiled 10 recent cases involving allegations the TCEQ characterized major pollution sources as minor. An investigation by ICN and the Texas Tribune, based on hundreds of pages of government and court records and dozens of interviews, revealed numerous ways in which large companies sidestep major source permitting. (Houston Landing)
Your Next Phone May Double as an Air Quality Monitor - The cellphone of the future may be able to detect air quality and smoke levels near the person carrying it, alerting users about dangerous findings. Mobile Physics says it can transform any cellphone into a personal "envirometer" and weather station. (Axios)
Air Pollution is Ruining Your Skin - Air pollution has been linked to a host of health issues, ranging from asthma and lung cancer to diabetes and obesity. In that context, focusing on the skin might seem trivial. But it’s hugely important. More than 99 percent of the world’s population live in places where levels of pollution exceed World Health Organization guidelines, and severe skin conditions like atopic dermatitis can be intensely debilitating. (Wired)
Green is the New Yellow: Electric School Buses are Rolling into the Southeast - In 2022, the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program began to provide $5 billion over five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with cleaner, healthier zero-emission and low-emission models. The initial funding opportunity was for $500 million, however, due to overwhelming demand for the program, the EPA nearly doubled its funding for the rebates. (Southern Alliance for Clean Energy)
2023 Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA Monthly Air Quality Index Levels
In December 2023, we experienced 22 good days, and nine moderate days. All nine moderate days were due to PM2.5. Air quality trends in December 2023 were slightly worse compared to those of December 2022 which had 23 good days and eight moderate days.
Access the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast by using any weather app or by going to AirNow.gov for localized information.
To learn how these pollutants can affect public health, click the following links:
View the current Air Quality Index (AQI) and learn more at AirNow.gov.
Share the Air Central Texas newsletter with your friends, family, and coworkers to help people understand the risk of poor air quality and how their actions can affect our breathable air.
Make an air quality commitment to improve our local air quality, today!
