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Parts of Texas that don't meet those standards are first designated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. On Tuesday, the TCEQ gave people in the Austin-Round Rock area the chance to give chime in on the discussion, in one of several hearings held across the state through June and July.

The EPA is expected to finalize the new standards around Aug. 31.

Based on ozone measurements from the last three years, the Austin-Round Rock area sits just above the maximum standard that the EPA is expected to finalize, which could impact area development if the standards aren't met.

"If you bring in a new industry, there are going to be associated emissions. You'd have to offset those emissions in some way, so you're not basically bringing additional emissions to the overall airshare," TCEQ Air Quality Division Director David Brymer said.

Failing to meet the mandate could also slow federal transportation funding, and in the past has led to more expensive inspections for drivers.

"The Austin-Round Rock area is dominated by motor vehicle emissions," Brymer said. "So that's one of the primary issues for the Austin area."

Coal plants and bigger cities surrounding Austin also contribute to the area's levels.

"Texas still has a long way to go to truly clean up our air in the state," Eva Hernandez with the Sierra Club said. "We ask that TCEQ stop permitting new coal fire power plants. It's a major detriment to our air quality across the state."

Other spectators questioned why Williamson County is included in the same area as Travis County.

"The agency's position in the past has been that the Clean Air Act automatically requires adjacent counties to be included, and just since Williamson County is adjacent to Travis County, it should be included?" Georgetown resident Kerry Russell said. "We don't believe that's sufficient justification."

Russell also thought it was too early for TCEQ to hold its public hearings, since the EPA has not yet released its ozone standards.

"[TCEQ] is asking for comments on a standard that hasn't been issued yet, based on guidelines that haven't been issued yet," Russell said.

Until Sept. 3, you can submit your input to Margie McAllister at MMcAllis@tceq.state.tx.us, or mail it to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, MC-164, Post Office Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087.