ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Central Florida\u2019s air quality is improving, according to MetroPlan Orlando, which monitors ozone levels at four locations across the region.<\/p>\n
The region\u2019s ozone levels remain below the federal attainment standard, a threshold air quality officials want to stay under. Remaining in attainment is important because failing to meet the standard could affect transportation funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to be in that standard because that\u2019s what is considered attainment,\u201d said Sarah Larsen, a transportation planner with MetroPlan Orlando. \u201cIf we don\u2019t meet that standard, that changes how transportation funding happens in our region.\u201d<\/p>\n
MetroPlan Orlando has monitored air quality since 2023 at locations including Skyview Drive in Orlando, an Osceola County fire station in Four Corners, Seminole State College in Sanford and Lake Isles Estates in Winter Park.<\/p>\n
At Lake Isles Estates, a popular area for outdoor activities, Winter Park\u2019s three-year rolling average for ozone was 62 parts per billion in 2026, down from 67 parts per billion in 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a five-point change,\u201d Larsen said. \u201cIt\u2019s a decrease, which is what we want to see.\u201d<\/p>\n
The report does not identify one specific reason for the improvement. MetroPlan Orlando officials pointed to several possible contributors, including increased use of electric vehicles and equipment, as well as improved fuel efficiency.<\/p>\n
\u201cGoing electric in general \u2014 whether it\u2019s your vehicle, your leaf blowers or your lawnmowers,\u201d Larsen said, can help improve air quality.<\/p>\n
Recent studies also indicate that electric vehicles could be contributing to the shift. Green Car Reports found that electric vehicle registrations in Central Florida grew to more than 15%, surpassing the national average of about 9%.<\/p>\n
In Orange County, electric vehicle registrations increased 46% year over year, according to the report.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we were not in attainment with all of those changes, we would have to do a conformity analysis,\u201d said Gary Huttmann, executive director of MetroPlan Orlando.<\/p>\n
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