North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) works in cooperation with federal, State, and local partners to achieve comprehensive air quality improvement in Dallas-Fort Worth.
 
In 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated ten counties (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise Counties) in North Central Texas as nonattainment for the pollutant ozone in accordance with the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). In 2015, this standard was revised to a stricter 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS and on June 4, 2018, EPA designated nine counties (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant) as marginal nonattainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS.  Currently the region is under two ozone standards.  Due to its harmful effects on the health of humans and the environment, ground-level ozone is monitored and targeted for reductions.
 
Development of an air quality plan, known as the State Implementation Plan (SIP), is required for all nonattainment areas to demonstrate how ozone will be reduced to levels compliant with the NAAQS. NCTCOG works to attain the ozone NAAQS for the Dallas-Fort Worth region and contribute to a better quality of life for all North Texans.

While NCTCOG’s primary goal air quality is to reach ozone attainment, many air quality efforts reduce particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions; thus, supporting efforts to improve air quality comprehensively. Air quality improvement strategies can be broken down by audience type including efforts for local governments, vehicle fleets, and everyone. Review the 2022 NCTCOG Air Quality Handbook for a full breakdown of regional comprehensive air quality initiatives currently being implemented.

          

To address the human and environmental impact of air quality, NCTCOG has developed a project to address the public health implications of traffic-related air pollution and enhance a comprehensive regional greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

                                                                                        Air Quality & Health Impacts                              RISE Coalition