Mountain West Cities Face Severe Air Pollution Challenges Amid Climate Change
The American Lung Association's annual State of the Air report highlights significant air pollution issues in the Mountain West region of the United States. Cities such as Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City rank among the most polluted in terms of ozone levels. The report attributes these high pollution levels to factors like extreme heat, which exacerbates ozone formation, and geographical features that trap polluted air. Wildfire smoke further complicates the situation, as fires become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Despite some improvements in areas like Reno, where fine particle pollution has decreased, the overall air quality remains a concern. Melissa Ramos, a senior manager for clean air advocacy, emphasizes the need for transitioning to clean energy and transportation to combat these pollution challenges. 
