New ozone standards proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency could push more than a half-dozen Utah counties to further improve their air quality.

The rules were proposed Thursday, but will not be implemented for at least 90 days so that the agency can accept public comment. However, EPA administrator Stephen Johnson said that the ozone rules need to be tightened to protect public health.

"Advances in science are leading to cleaner skies and healthier lives," he said in a news release. "America's science is progressing and our air quality is improving. By strengthening the ozone standard, EPA is keeping our clean air momentum moving into the future."

In Utah, the change could mean that four Wasatch Front counties — Salt Lake, Weber, Davis and Utah — could face renewed violations of air quality standards. But three other counties could also violate the standards, including Box Elder, Washington and San Juan, said Rick Sprott, the executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

Box Elder's problem is primarily due to ozone around the I-15 corridor near Brigham City, while Washington County can pin the blame on St. George. San Juan, however, would also be in violation because of a Canyonlands National Park monitor that detects pollution drifting north from the booming southwestern U.S. population centers.

Not on the list is Cache County, which suffers some of the worst pollution in the state during the winter months. Ozone, which is more prevalent during the summer months, is not a problem in the valley.

Even with the potential violations, Sprott was optimistic that the counties could improve their air quality within a few years. The biggest improvement would be another EPA proposed rule that would significantly improve fuel standards for all vehicles.

"With all of the steps the EPA is taking, I'm hoping we won't have to take any draconian steps" to improve air quality, he said.

Ozone regulations have not been revised since 1997, despite a Clean Air Act requirement that they be reviewed and updated every five years. The EPA rules focus mainly on ground-level air pollution that is generated by vehicle exhaust, electric utilities, chemical solvents and industrial facilities.

Smog that is created by the high levels of ozone is especially dangerous to people with asthma and other lung diseases, as well as children who spend a lot of time outside. It also can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Any counties that do not meet the air standards would have to implement plans to reduce their air pollution or potentially lose federal highway funds. Those plans include measures such as annual emissions testing, oxygenated gasoline and "no burn" days.

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