Air Quality and Monitoring
TCEQ establishes plans to meet air quality standards, assesses air quality, conducts research, and develops innovative ways to improve air quality.
Air Quality Forecast
TCEQ forecasts air quality conditions in Austin, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Brownsville-McAllen, Corpus Christi, Dallas-Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa, San Antonio, Tyler-Longview, Victoria, and Waco-Killeen.
Assessing Air Quality
- Air Monitoring - TCEQ maintains monitoring data and the Texas air monitoring network, which monitors ambient air concentrations of pollutants at sites across the state.
- Air Quality Modeling - Scientists use computer models to predict how air quality will be affected by meteorological conditions, chemical reactions, economic and population growth, and reduced emissions.
- Air Quality Research - Programs are designed to improve the state of air quality science and policy including air quality modeling and studies on air toxics, flares, pollutant concentrations near Texas roadways, emissions inventory, atmospheric chemistry, and meteorology.
Air Emissions
- Point Source Emissions Inventory - Chemical plants, refineries, electric utility plants, and other large industrial sites are required to report their annual air emissions and pay fees to the TCEQ.
- Air Emission Events Reports - Search for and export reports that are sent to the TCEQ about air emission events under 30 TAC 101.201.
- Texas Oil and Gas Basins - TCEQ’s primary role in the oil and gas fields is regulating emissions and ensuring air quality. Working with the Railroad Commission, which has primary jurisdiction over oil and gas facilities in Texas, TCEQ is finding solutions that reduce emissions from oil and gas activities.
Improving Air Quality
- Texas State Implementation Plan - The SIP is the state’s comprehensive plan to clean the air and meet federal air quality standards.
- Criteria Pollutants - TCEQ planning activities address the six criteria pollutants regulated under National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which are Ozone, Particulate Matter, Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide.
- Air Quality Rules: Stationary Sources - Texas rules to limit emissions from stationary sources to meet federal air quality standards.
- Emissions Banking and Trading Programs - TCEQ cap-and-trade programs and credit generating programs to provide compliance flexibility in meeting air regulations while reducing emissions in Texas.
- Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program - A statewide planning program to reduce criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from EPA grant funding.
- Air Quality Successes - Texas’ air quality has made huge strides in the past few decades. The state has devoted significant resources for air monitoring and scientific research to find innovative ways to improve air quality.
- Vehicle Emissions Inspections - Vehicle emissions inspections are required in Texas to improve air quality. The annual emissions inspection program is operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the TCEQ.
- Texas Emissions Reduction Plan - The TERP program provides financial incentives to eligible individuals, businesses, or local governments to reduce emissions from polluting vehicles and equipment.
- Tax Relief for Pollution Control Property - This program is responsible for determining whether a facility uses certain property or equipment for pollution control (referred to as a use determination). Applicants that receive a positive use determination may then apply for a property tax exemption.