Athens' air quality will not meet EPA standards

Due to increasing levels of smog and air pollution, "Clarke County does not meet new, tougher federal air quality standards," reports the ABH.

Ozone, or smog, is created when pollution from car exhaust, fossil fuel-burning power plants and industries mix with sunlight during hot summer months. It can cause respiratory and heart disease.

When the EPA finalizes the nonattainment list next year, state and local officials will have three years to come up with a plan to bring the 27 counties into compliance.

Athens drivers may have to take their cars to mechanics for emissions testing, Field said. The county also could lose federal funding for widening roads, but gain funding for sidewalks, bicycle lanes, mass transit and other forms of transportation that pollute less than cars, he said.