The American Lung Association (ALA) has released its 2025 “State of the Air” report, painting a mixed picture of air quality across Georgia. While the Atlanta metropolitan area faces significant challenges, Chattooga County has earned an “A” grade, highlighting the stark disparities in air quality throughout the state. The report, which analyzed air quality data from 2021 to 2023, reveals that nearly half of the U.S. population resides in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Atlanta fares poorly, ranking as the third worst in the Southeast for ozone pollution and the fourth worst for year-round particle pollution. Adding to the concerning trend, the Augusta area was ranked fourth-worst in the Southeast for soot. However, the report did highlight that some parts of Georgia remain among the cleanest in the nation for smog. Further south, the Savannah area saw its smog rating decline from an “A” to a “B,” indicating worsening air quality conditions. The ALA selected 19 counties across Georgia to represent different regions for the 2025 report. Chattooga County, representing Northwest Georgia, stood out with its exceptional “A” rating. The ALA urges residents and policymakers to take action to improve air quality for all Georgians.