The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is reviewing a plan to decrease air pollution in North Texas.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency within the state of Texas, Denton has had the highest ozone level in Texas for the last three years.
Within the United States, Dallas-Fort Worth is ranked at number 11. On average, North Texas has more high ozone polluted days than New York City, Newark and Houston.
For seven months, the EPA collected data outside of Denton Executive Airport and compared results cities across the U.S.
Ozone is produced with sunlight reacts to emission from power plants, emissions from utilities, and exhaust from vehicles, which includes 18-wheelers and construction tractors with diesel engines.
Research has found a correlation between high ozone levels and high health risks among adults and children. The American Lung Association states that “air pollution leads to premature death, asthma attacks, lung cancer, and cardiovascular harm.”
According to the Dallas County Medical Society, doctors found that a small reduction in ozone levels could have prevented 165 hospital visits, 350 emergency room visits, 120,000 school absences, and 77 deaths from lung and heart disease. The doctors, who were a part of this study, believe ”legacy” cement and coal-fire power plants need to be regulated.
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The Texas Commission on Environmental Protection believes weather, exhaust from vehicles, construction equipment, and exhaust from aircrafts and trains are the main factors for Denton’s high ozone levels.
TCEQ submitted a proposal outlining the state’s plan to bring down the air pollution. The plan did not include additional regulations on power plants in Texas.
