Learn About Ozone Designations

On this page:

• Ozone designations process
• Basis for air quality designations

Ozone designations process

• respiratory infections,
• medication use by asthmatics,
• doctor and emergency department visits, and

• hospital admissions for individuals with respiratory disease.

Ozone exposure may contribute to premature death, especially in people with heart and lung disease. High ozone levels can also harm sensitive vegetation and forested ecosystems.

Along with states and tribes, we are responsible for reducing ozone air pollution. Current and upcoming federal standards and safeguards, including pollution reduction rules for power plants, vehicles and fuels, assure steady progress to reduce ozone-forming pollution and protect public health in communities across the country.

Within 2 years of setting a new or revised National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), Title I of the Clean Air Act requires EPA to designate areas as meeting (attainment) or not meeting (nonattainment) the standard. 

The Clean Air requires states to submit, and gives tribes the opportunity to submit, initial area designation recommendations within 12 months after we have issued a new or revised NAAQS.  Tribes are not required to provide recommendations but are invited to do so and to participate in the process.  If EPA plans to issue a designation that modifies a state recommendation, EPA must notify the state no later than 120 days before the final designation.

Basis for air quality designations

• air quality monitoring data,
• recommendations submitted by the states and tribes, and
• other technical information.

1. air quality data,
2. emissions and emissions-related data,
3. meteorology,
4. geography/topography, and
5. jurisdictional boundaries.