In the 1980s, the region violated the carbon monoxide standard, and federal regulations required that a plan be developed to bring the region into compliance. PPACG developed this plan in 1999 and updated it in 2009 to show continued attainment through 2020.

Ozone is the air-quality pollutant of most concern in the Pikes Peak region. It causes a number of harmful effects on the respiratory system. Air quality in the region is monitored year-round at two monitoring stations, one in Manitou Springs and one on the U.S. Air Force Academy where ozone concentrations are usually the highest.