This time of year our air quality typically takes a hit with more woodburning for heat - and our temperature inversion. But this year our air quality might not be up to a new federal standard.
On October 1st, the Environmental Protection Agency passed a new, stricter federal standard for ozone levels in the air. It went from 75 parts per billion being considered healthy down to 70.
Washoe County's average over the last three years has been 71 - just over the line out of healthy territory. So now air quality officials have to look at ways to bring that number down.
"At one part per billion, I think if we come up with some continued measures that we can get everyone to buy in on, that we do stand a chance of actually getting our average down to 70 to be in attainment,” says Charlene Albee, Washoe County Director of Air Quality Management
Albee says the biggest contributor to ozone levels is burning fossil fuels. So that means they'll be urging people to cut down on driving - maybe carpool, ride a bike or take public transportation. But it also could mean stricter regulations on new businesses coming to the area.
"We do have to take whatever measures are necessary to try to meet and attain the national ambient air quality standards, and a lot of times that means we may have to require additional pollution controls on industries that come in."
To see the full interview, just tune in or set your DVR for Face the State this weekend. It's airing Saturday at 4:30 am, 4:30 pm and 8 pm. And again on Sunday at 6:30 am and 4:30 pm.
