Front Range ozone hits historic highs this summer, driven by emissions

Colorado's Front Range endured one of its worst summers for air quality, with over 60 days of dangerous ozone since June—nearly triple last year's 24 days—largely due to oil-and-gas and vehicle emissions, though wildfire smoke contributed as well. Experts say ozone levels show little long-term improvement, harming health (asthma, ER visits, missed school) and costing millions in health costs. The RAQC's 2026 Blueprint for Clean Air outlines actions to cut oil-and-gas emissions, regulate high-polluting equipment, and accelerate electric-vehicle adoption to bring the region back into federal compliance by 2032.