Commit to Cleaner North Texas Air on June 7
6/3/2024
Improve health, clean the air, take the pledge
Arlington, TEXAS – June is historically the time of year when air quality across the Dallas-Fort Worth area is thrust to the forefront of people’s minds. With summer temperatures settling in, this is typically when the region begins experiencing days with elevated levels of ozone pollution.
Prolonged exposure to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone may result in health issues such as reduced lung function, more asthma episodes and less resistance to respiratory infections, according to clinical studies.
North Texans can do their part to boost the region’s air quality without making significant changes. Clean Air Action Day will take place on June 7 this year. This is the annual day when North Texas residents, businesses and governments are encouraged to make slight changes to their routines that might help enhance air quality throughout Dallas-Fort Worth.
There are many ways people can make a difference in regional air quality. They can avoid commuting entirely by working from home. If they must go to the office, they can find an alternative commute, such as carpooling or using transit. Limiting unnecessary idling and taking lunch to work can also help. Governments are encouraged to consider implementing strategies in three categories: public services, programs and enforcement, and communication with employees. Businesses can help through operations, communication with employees or vehicle operations.
Ten counties in the region (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise) are in nonattainment for ozone, and Air North Texas is one way the North Central Texas Council of Governments works to ensure air quality remains a focal point throughout the transportation planning process.
For a full list of clean air strategies individuals, businesses and governments can enact to help the region move closer to attainment, and to take the pledge to complete one action to benefit regional air quality, visit www.airnorthtexas.org/cleanairactionday. Signing up for air quality alerts at www.airnorthtexas.org/signup can keep you informed of when action is recommended.
Additionally, Dallas and Tarrant counties face the potential of being declared in nonattainment for particulate matter, commonly called soot, following the federal government’s announcement it would toughen the standard from 12.0 micrograms per cubic meter to 9.0 micrograms per cubic meter. The change is anticipated to take place in 2026.
North Texans are encouraged to maintain their Clean Air Action Day commitments made on June 7 throughout all of ozone season, which ends Nov. 30.
Be sure to use #CAAD2024 and tag us on social media to show your commitment to clean air in your community and to get others involved. Start taking steps to ensure better air quality for all North Texans by choosing the clean air strategy that works for you. Every small change made can have an impact on quality of life throughout the region.
About the North Central Texas Council of Governments:
NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication and make joint decisions.
 
NCTCOG serves a 16-county region of North Central Texas, which is centered on the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. Currently, NCTCOG has 238 member governments including
16 counties, 169 cities, 19 school districts and 27 special districts. For more information on the NCTCOG Transportation Department, visit www.nctcog.org/trans.
About Air North Texas:
Air North Texas is a regional air quality partnership and general public outreach effort. Air North Texas leverages existing resources and program strengths to offer the public a comprehensive resource for air quality information. Collaborative efforts focus on reducing harmful emissions, protecting public health and welfare, motivating residents to make choices that improve air quality and preserving the economic vitality of the region. Learn more at www.airnorthtexas.org.