JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming environmental officials say the state will continue to monitor ozone levels in Sublette County.

The state announcement follows recent word that federal officials will acknowledge the Upper Green River Basin is in violation of air quality standards.

Ozone levels in the area have exceeded standards during February and March in previous years. Ground-level ozone can lead to smog and is a respiratory irritant in sufficient concentrations.

This week's announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it will acknowledge that the basin is violating ozone standards could lead to the regulation of oil and gas well emissions in the area.