Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly used the term "carbon footprint" instead of "emissions." It also incorrectly stated the number of counties in the NCTCOG.
As North Texas enters its months-long ozone season, environmental advocates are offering ways residents can reduce their impact.
Chris Klaus, manager of air quality programs at the North Central Texas Council of Governments, said the region has already exceeded federal air quality standards.
According to NCTCOG, vehicles, construction equipment, trains and aircraft account for more than half of emissions that contribute to ground-level ozone.
Klaus suggested people can cut their personal emissions by ridesharing, carpooling, and filling up cars with gas at night instead of the morning since residual emissions add to the smog. He also recommends using electric lawn mowers and leaf blowers instead of gas-powered models.
鈥淏e alert and be vigilant in terms of what you what you can do or consider,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ot everything will work for everybody.鈥�
Dallas wanted to ban gas-powered lawn equipment but under a 2023 state law preventing municipalities from restricting the 鈥渦se, sale, or lease of an engine based on its fuel source.鈥�
Ten of the region's counties have exceeded the federal standard for air quality for years. That means the smog, or ozone layer that accumulates, can cause health problems, including coughing, throat irritation, lung pain and an increase in asthma attacks. It is especially dangerous for the elderly and young children.
If by 2027 the region isn鈥檛 below exceedance that could mean penalties on businesses, which Klaus said could drive prices up for consumers.
Some North Texas cities are taking steps to tackle pollution 鈥� Dallas and Denton have both approved rebate programs for people who purchase electric landscaping tools instead of gasoline-operated machines.
鈥�We've made significant progress,鈥� said Dallas City Council Member Kathy Stewart, who chairs the parks, trails and environment committee. 鈥淭here's still much work to be done to reduce ozone and pollution in our region."
Olla Mokhtar is 四虎影院鈥檚 news intern. Got a tip? Email Olla at omokhtar@kera.org.
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