Title
Consider a resolution committing to participation in the Ozone Advance Program and the implementation of measures described in the Ozone Advance Program Action Plan.
Body
With the rapid growth experienced in Round Rock and Central Texas over the last decade, compliance with the federal National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) has become an area of increasing concern; the primary pollutant in our area is ozone. Violation of the standards set out in the NAAQS can lead to a designation of “non-attainment” for our region. A non-attainment designation can lead to crippling mandates on businesses and industry; it can require federal oversight on many locally funded roadway projects; and it can require the introduction of certain expensive fuel additives for motor vehicle fuels sold in the Central Texas area, to name but a few of the unsavory aspects of non-attainment. In addition, ozone, can have detrimental effects on the respiratory systems of vulnerable populations, leading to significant impacts and costs to our health care system.
In recognition of the concerns about ozone in our region, in 2001 the City entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding ozone emissions with other parties in the region (then called the Ozone Flex Agreement). The purpose of this MOA was for each jurisdiction to voluntarily enact measures to help reduce their emission of ozone precursor chemicals. In return, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would favorably consider this voluntary participation should the region ever fall into non-attainment of the ozone standards. Some examples of these measures include requiring employees to receive their paychecks via direct deposit; utilizing a vehicle “right-sizing” committee; and restricting mowing on days predicted to have high ozone levels.
In 2008, the Ozone Flex Plan was expiring, and the City entered into a new MOA for ozone emissions which was then called the “8 Hour O3 Flex Plan”. This renewed plan again called for voluntary participation in the same emission reduction measures contained under the previous agreement. The 8 Hour O3 Flex Plan is set to expire December 31, 2013.
Since that time, the EPA has introduced a new version of the voluntary plan named the Ozone Advance Program. Commitment to this plan involves the same measures Round Rock has previously committed to under the above mentioned agreements. Round Rock’s continued participation in these measures will demonstrate the City’s commitment to maintaining and improving the air quality of our region.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends approval.