The Problem

The Austin/Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (A/RR MSA) of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis & Williamson Counties has high ozone levels that negatively affect respiratory health; especially for children, the elderly and those that work or exercise outdoors.

In recent years the MSA has had periodic exceedances of the federal health-based 8-hour ozone standard. Presently, the region complies with the standard by a very narrow margin. If the MSA does not reduce emissions, the region is expected to violate the federal standard and would be subject to nonattainment designation by EPA.

If the EPA designates the MSA nonattainment, the State of Texas will be required to implement a mandatory air quality improvement plan for the region. Additional federal air quality regulations will apply to transportation projects and to industry.

We must act promptly to reduce emissions. Addressing the problem now benefits public health and allows us to develop our own, locally appropriate solutions. Failing to act could bring mandated measures and delay attainment of the health-based standard.

The Plan

In an effort to clean up the air as soon as possible, local leaders have entered into an Early Action Compact and have developed an action plan.

This Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) calls for regional emission reduction measures. These measures will be implemented in 2005 and are expected to ensure continued attainment of the standard through 2007 and beyond.

Regional Emission Reduction Measures Included in the Clean Air Action Plan

• Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance
• Heavy-Duty Diesel Idling Limits
• Low-Emission Gas Can Supply
• Commute Emissions Reduction Program for Large Employers
• Low-Emission Asphalt Use
• Degreasing Solvent Restrictions
• Power Plant Emissions Reductions
• Filling Procedures for Gas Station Storage Tanks
• Auto Body Refinishing Controls
• Cleaner-burning Gasoline
• Grant Program for Cleaner Diesel Equipment
• Dry Cleaning Controls
• Emissions Balancing for Large Industrial Sources
• Transportation Emission Reduction Measures (TERMs)
• Voluntary Measures

How Will the Plan Affect You?

The most important effect will be on health! The air will be cleaner so people will have better respiratory health. In order to achieve this, you and local businesses will be participating in the following measures:

• Inspection and Maintenance
  This program will add an additional step to the annual safety inspection by checking gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old for excessive emissions. The annual safety and emission inspection together are expected to cost $32.50. The fee supports the I&M program and a low-income repair assistance program. This program is planned for Travis and Williamson Counties.
• Heavy-Duty Diesel Idling Restrictions
  Heavy-duty diesel vehicles will not be allowed to idle for more than 5 minutes.
• Low-Emission Gas Cans
  Only low-emission gas cans that reduce spills and evaporative-loss will be sold in our region.
• Commute Emission Reductions
  Employers with 200 or more employees at any one location will develop and implement a plan to reduce their commute equivalent emissions by 10%.
• Low-Emission Asphalt
  Low-emission asphalt will be used instead of high-emission (cut-back) asphalt.
• Degreasing Solvents
  Low-emission solvents must be used and solvent vats must be covered.
• Gas Station Storage Tanks
  Stations that sell more than 25,000 gallons of gasoline a month must use a vapor-recovery system to fill storage tanks.
• Auto Body Refinishing
  Low-emission painting and cleaning products and procedures must be used in auto body refinishing processes.
• Power Plant Emission Reductions
  Both Austin Energy and the LCRA have committed to emission reductions.
• Dry Cleaning
  Limitations will be put on petroleum-based dry cleaning procedures.
• Large Industry Emissions Balancing
  A regional emissions balancing strategy that affects new or modified industries emitting at least 100 tons per year of NOx emissions, limiting future emissions.