AUGUSTA (AP)-For the first time since Maine began monitoring ozone levels in the 1970s, the entire state now meets federal air quality standards for ozone, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday.

The last two areas of the state that were previously out of compliance have now been designated as meeting federal air quality standards, the EPA said.

Those two areas were southern Maine, which includes portions of York, Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties, and the Midcoast area that includes parts of Hancock, Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties.

Maine and New England have seen a significant drop in ozone levels since the late 1980s. In 1988, Maine had 34 days with unhealthy ozone levels. There were only two such days last summer.

In New England, there were 26 days with unhealthy ozone levels last summer, compared to 90 unhealthy days in 1983, according to the EPA.

Cars, trucks and buses are the primary source of pollutants that make up ground-level ozone, or smog. Power plants, industrial boilers, gas stations and other sources contribute to the problem, which is most acute during the hot summer months.

State officials credit the improvements on a range of pollution control programs at the federal, regional and state levels.

David Littell, commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, said there is still room for improvement.

“We need to continue working with EPA and upwind states to further reduce emissions of ozone precursors and other pollutants, including mercury, from power plants,” he said.

AP-ES-12-11-06 1850EST