A new report from the American Lung Association reveals that 44% of the U.S. population lives in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. While the Clean Air Act provided long term improvements, recent data shows ozone pollution is worsening for millions, driven partly by rising heat and wildfire smoke. The findings highlight significant environmental inequality, with people of color disproportionately affected by poor air quality. The report emphasizes the need for targeted local action and stricter pollution controls in the Southwest and Southern states to protect vulnerable populations.
