The Denver Metro/North Front Range ozone non-attainment area has been downgraded to “severe” by the Environmental Protection Agency, but the Front Range as a whole is close to escaping the EPA’s eye regarding outdoor carbon monoxide pollution. The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission voted to revise regulations to acknowledge 20 years of compliance with federal standards.
The EPA designated Denver as a “non-attainment” area for carbon monoxide in 1978, as CO levels exceeded national air quality standards. Efforts to mitigate pollution, such as emissions testing, cleaner fuels, and catalytic converters, were put in place. By 2001, Denver achieved attainment status and became a “maintenance area.”
Colorado has kept outdoor carbon monoxide pollution low for the past 20 years, with levels more than 80% below the EPA standard. The state has maintained levels below 4.7 parts per million over 8-hour periods and below 0.8 parts per million. The success story demonstrates Colorado’s ability to meet and exceed federal air quality standards.
The Air Quality Control Commission approved revisions to the state’s air quality plan, which must now be reviewed by the EPA. Colorado will submit the revisions following the 2025 legislative session. Commissioner Patrick Cummins of the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission celebrates the success and looks forward to continuing progress in meeting air quality standards.
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