Denver Area Faces Possible EPA Downgrade After Severe Ozone Season
Metro Denver and the northern Front Range recorded 66 days of ozone pollution above federal standards in 2026, tying one of the worst seasons in three decades. The EPA could downgrade the region to an 'extreme' nonattainment category after July 2027, which would impose higher fees on industrial polluters. Wildfire smoke worsened the problem, but officials say the region also has a persistent local pollution issue.
The nine-county Denver metro and northern Front Range recorded 66 days when ozone surpassed federal limits in 2026. That matches 2012 and falls one day short of 2021, the highest count in records dating to 1995. Wildfire smoke played a role, but officials said the area still has its own persistent pollution problem.
The region is currently classified as severe nonattainment. A possible EPA downgrade to extreme after July 2027 could raise fees on industrial polluters.
If EPA downgrades the region, industrial facilities may face higher fees, potentially affecting costs and local air programs. Residents, especially infants, older adults, and people with asthma or heart conditions, could remain at greater risk from repeated ozone exposure. The outcome may depend on whether state and local measures reduce emissions enough before July 2027. This could shape public health burdens and business compliance costs across metro Denver and the northern Front Range.