The Front Range recorded its lowest ozone levels in 16 years this summer, but the region still needs to reduce air pollution to escape federal oversight that requires more stringent permitting for polluting industries and more expensive gasoline for drivers.

The nine-county region recorded 23 days between late May and early September when ozone pollution levels exceeded federal air quality standards, mostly because weather conditions prevented the stagnant heat that creates the ground-level ozone that forms hazy smog.

In 2024 , the region recorded 41 days in which pollution levels rose above federal standards, according to data released Thursday by the Regional Air Quality Council .

This summer was the lowest ozone season for the region since 2009, according to the data .

“The re

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