Improving Air Quality

The 8-hour O3 Flex Plan is the latest in a series of regional initiatives to address regional ozone problems proactively and builds on the region's previous plans: the 1-hour O3 Flex Plan and the Early Action Compact. The 8-hour O3 Flex Plan is an Interlocal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which will continue local clean air plan commitments undertaken in the Early Action Compact and include additional commitments to maintain compliance with the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) through 2013. Should the region fail to meet any 8-O3 Flex Plan terms or milestones, resulting in termination of the agreement, safeguards allow emission reduction credits to be given for measures implemented if the area is subsequently designated nonattainment and is required to develop a nonattainment State Implementation Plan. The Memorandum of Agreement is between the local governments representing Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties and the cities of Austin, Bastrop, Elgin, Lockhart, Luling, Round Rock, and San Marcos (local governments), the TCEQ and EPA.

Voluntary initiatives, such as those outlined in the 8-O3 Flex Plan, have allowed the region to address ozone problems proactively rather than wait to address them through the prescribed federal nonattainment process. These initiatives have been instrumental in keeping the region in compliance with the ozone standard.

In March 2008, EPA lowered the standard from 85 parts per billion (ppb) to 75 ppb. As a result, Governor Perry recommended to EPA that Travis County be designated as nonattainment under the new standard. This recommendation is based on air quality monitoring data from 2006-2008. However, EPA will not finalize that designation until March 12, 2010. If the region can complete the 2009 ozone season with a fourth-highest ozone reading of 77 ppb it is possible that the region could demonstrate compliance with the revised standard for 2007-2009 before the EPA makes the designation. The designation of attainment versus nonattainment has significant, region-wide consequences for air quality compliance requirements over many years.

Monitor readings from this year’s ozone season, April 1st through October 31st, will determine if Travis County will be designated as nonattainment by the Environmental Protection Agency. 2009 is the year of the “Big Push”, a concerted regional effort to reduce ozone formation this ozone season. This effort is coordinated by the Clean Air Coalition, a Central Texas regional organization of local elected officials formed to promote clean air, the initiative will be carried out by its members, including Travis County. The “Big Push” will provide both significant short-term and sustainable emission reductions for achieving attainment in 2009 and maintaining the new standard. Activities include maximizing public outreach, accelerating the implementation of elements of the 8-O3 Flex Plan, and identifying and implementing additional cost effective emission reduction measures.

Besides supporting the efforts of CAC, Travis County Commissioners’ Court has adopted specific actions that will help reduce ozone-forming emissions on Ozone Watch and Warning Days:

1. Restrict fueling and the operation of all county gasoline or diesel powered lawn equipment;
2. Establish special Ozone Watch Day Teleworking schedules for Travis County employees;
3. Educate county employees on commuting options; and
4. Expand ozone related communications to Travis County citizens and employees.

No Idling

Idling is running a vehicle engine when it’s not moving. While some idling is hard to avoid, most idling is wasteful and avoidable.

• This school season, turn your car off while waiting in line to pick up your kids. Idle cars in school pickup lines can produce harmful gases and use unnecessary fuel. This pollution is especially harmful to children, who breathe more air each minute than adults due to the size and growth rate of their lungs. So roll down the windows and turn your car off to save money on gas and improve the quality of air your children are breathing. The best school experience is one with clean air.
• Sometimes early morning coffee is necessary before work, but waiting in the long line at the drive through isn’t. Park your car and head inside for your next order. One less idle car in line means less air pollution and reduced gas consumption.
• Did you know that restarting your vehicle is better for air quality than idling your vehicle for 10 second or more? 3.8 million gallons of fuel is wasted by idling each day in the U.S #BeAirAware and start reducing air pollution and wasted fuel. Learn more on how you can help and save fuel.

Learn how to #TakeCareofOurAir with tips and resources to limit idling at AirCentralTexas.org

Maintain Your Car

Maintaining your car will also help keep our air cleaner.

• Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations
• Keep your tires properly inflated (this also helps your gas mileage!)
• Learn more at Drive Clean Across Texas
• If you check engine light is one, get it checked, there is a good chance your car is releasing excess pollutants and/or consuming too much gas
• If your car has failed its inspection you may qualify for the Drive A Clean Machine Program. You could receive up to $600 for vehicle repairs or up to $3,500 towards the cost of a vehicle replacement.

Travis County is committed to participating in air quality initiatives. Ground-level ozone is the area’s number one air quality issue. Ozone forms in the sun, is worse in the afternoon and early evening and is usually more prominent on hot summer days. Ground-level ozone can affect anyone, but children and persons with a compromised respiratory system are especially vulnerable.
To learn more about our regional air quality, what you can do to reduce emissions and exposure to air pollution please visit AirCentralTexas.org.