Air Quality Successes - Texas Compared to Other States
Texas’ air quality has made huge strides in the past few decades. The state has devoted significant resources for research to advance the science and find innovative ways to improve air quality.
Texas Air Quality Trends Compared to Other States
Ozone Trend by Metro Areas
- Texas has two of the most populous combined statistical areas (CBSAs) in the US.
Houston vs L.A. Ozone Trend
- The fourth-highest eight-hour ozone concentrations for the Houston and Los Angeles CSA’s have trended lower from 2000 to 2020.
- However, the fourth-highest ozone in Houston is decreasing at a faster rate of 36% compared to California, which has seen a 2% increase from 2000 through 2020.
- In 2020, the fourth-highest ozone value was 50 ppb higher in Los Angeles than in Houston.
Houston vs L.A. Air Quality Index
- The Air Quality Index (AQI) takes into account all criteria pollutants.
- In 2023, Houston’s air quality was either good (green) or moderate (yellow) 84% of the time compared to 76% for Los Angeles.
NOX Emissions Changes by State
- From 2002 to 2023, Texas had the largest reduction in NOX emissions in the country.
- Data from EPA's Criteria Air Pollutant Emissions Trends .
- Data current as of 02/09/2024.
SO2 Emissions Changes by State
- From 2002 to 2023, Texas had the 4th largest reduction in SO2 emissions in the country.
- Data from EPA's Criteria Air Pollutant Emissions Trends .
- Data current as of 02/09/2024.