New Initiative Targets Rising Ozone Levels in Arizona
In an effort to tackle increasing ground-level ozone concentrations, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has announced a significant research initiative. This project aims to bring together experts from various fields to explore the factors contributing to this environmental challenge in Maricopa County and parts of Pinal County.
The collaborative Ground Level Ozone Research (GLOR) Project will involve specialists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, Maricopa County, Maricopa Association of Governments, Arizona State University, and the University of Arizona. These experts will work together to address the complexities of ozone formation and its implications for air quality.
According to ADEQ Deputy Director Karen Peters, while Phoenix has seen improvements in overall air quality in recent years, the standards for ozone set by federal regulations have become more rigorous. Peters noted, “While the emissions have gone down, the ozone has actually increased over the last several years. We are launching this scientific effort so that we can understand what is causing that odd diversion.”
Peters emphasized that areas like Phoenix and Mesa have struggled to meet federal ozone air quality standards for a long time. The challenge with ozone, she explained, is that it is not directly emitted but rather formed through the combination of other pollutants in the atmosphere.
Ground-level ozone is a concerning pollutant due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment. The ADEQ anticipates that the study will conclude within a year, providing valuable insights into the factors influencing ozone levels.
As Peters explained, “The clean air act requires that we meet specific deadlines for submission of our plans for attainment with the standards. We have to put forward a plan to the Environmental Protection Agency in January of 2026.”
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