The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a Colorado region missed its air quality standards deadline.
The Coloradoan reports that the EPA is expected to mark the nine-county North Front Range region that includes Denver county in serious noncompliance with a federal standard.
Experts say this region has high concentrations of ground-level ozone and smog that could lead to respiratory health issues and heart disease.
Officials say the Air Quality Control Commission passed a zero-emission vehicle standard on Friday in the region to reduce the effects.
Experts say air quality improved on average over the last decade despite the announcement, and the region has plans to adopt more regulations for emission-producing industries.
Officials say the region withdrew an extension request to meet the deadline to better prioritize improvement plans.
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Information from: Fort Collins Coloradoan, http://www.coloradoan.com
