Discerning changes in anthropogenic ozone in the presence of meteorological fluctuations

Since changes in ambient ozone concentrations due to changes in meteorological conditions are much greater than those due to changes in ozone precursor emissions, it is difficult to assess the impact of regulatory programs on ozone air quality. This paper presents a physically-based methodology to discern changes in ozone and to track progress toward the improvement of ozone air quality in the presence of meteorological fluctuations. This approach would be useful to policy-makers in evaluating the effectiveness of their air quality management practices through a better understanding of the relationship between the rate of progress in emission reductions and concomitant improvement in ozone air quality, and in refining control strategies as needed to assure ozone compliance in the future.