Austin’s Growth and the Air We Share

If it seems like Austin is growing everywhere you look, you're not imagining it. Austin is changing more than just the skyline. New housing developments, expanding roadways, and major business investments continue to transform Central Texas. While this growth brings us booming business and a vibrant community, it also creates new challenges for our air quality. As more folks move here and call the Austin home, the demand for transportation, energy, and infrastructure increases, placing additional pressure on the air we all breathe.

One of the biggest air-quality concerns in Central Texas is ground-level ozone, often called "bad ozone." Ozone forms when emissions from vehicles, construction equipment, industrial operations, and other sources react in the presence of sunlight and heat. During the hot, sunny days that we love!!!, ozone can build to unhealthy levels, especially for children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions.

The Round Rock-Austin-San Marcos area recorded an ozone design value of 71 parts per billion (ppb), slightly above the federal health standard of 70 ppb. In addition, Travis County experienced fewer "Good" air-quality days in recent years compared to earlier periods, while several days reached levels considered unhealthy for the sensitive groups listed above. These trends are a reminder that population growth and air quality are closely connected, and that air quality planning, public awareness, and pollution reduction remain more important than ever and should be an ongoing priority.

The air-quality data shows that growth-related challenges continue to impact our region. Working together, Clean Air Force of Central Texas(CAF), CAPCOG and other ACT Partners play an important role in helping residents understand these challenges. Through public outreach, educational campaigns, and community partnerships, the CAF works to increase awareness of local air-quality issues and provide practical information that empowers us to make choices that reduce pollution and improve public health.

The good news is that every resident can help protect our air quality. Choosing alternative transportation when possible, reducing vehicle idling, conserving energy, and staying informed about local air-quality conditions can all make a difference. As the region continues to grow, maintaining clean air will require a shared commitment from local governments, businesses, civic organizations and YOU. Let’s work together to support a thriving region while preserving one of our most valuable resources: the air we share.