Air Quality Planning

The 5-county Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties, has the potential to be designated nonattainment of the federal 8-hour ozone air quality standard by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to unhealthy air quality levels during the summer months. A nonattainment designation means that the area does not meet the health-based air quality standard and will be required to implement emission reduction strategies to clean up the air. Failure to clean up the region's air as required can result in restrictions on economic growth and a partial loss of federal highway funding.

Both the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) endorse the concept of early action plans to improve air quality. These plans allow local selection of emission reduction strategies, resulting in clean air sooner than otherwise required as an alternative to the standard nonattainment process.Instead of waiting for a nonattainment designation, the MSA has proactively developed and is in the process of implementing early action plans to clean up the air now.

The MSA has developed and implemented three voluntary air quality programs. The current program, the 8-Hour Ozone Flex Program, is designed to keep the region in compliance with the 2007 8-hour ozone standard.

Air Quality 8-Hour Ozone Flex Program: (3.4 MB)

 

CAMPO and Air Quality

Since motor vehicle emissions are the most significant part of the MSA's ozone problem, CAMPO is actively involved in regional air quality planning efforts. For more information regarding CAMPO's Air Quality Program, contact the appropriate Air Quality Staff .

TERMs

CAMPO member jurisdictions reduce vehicle emissions by implementing Transportation Emission Reduction Measures (TERMs), such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities, transit improvements, park and ride lots, traffic signal synchronization, traffic flow improvements, or any other any transportation project that reduces congestion, idling, or SOV travel.

TERMs are included in the O3 Flex Agreement and the CAAP. CAMPO works to identify and compile local existing and future TERMs for the CAAP to go into the SIP. Status reports for CAAP TERMs are due to TCEQ and EPA every June and December. CAMPO is responsible for the preparation and submittal of this report.

Vehicle Emissions Modeling

CAMPO also models regional vehicle emissions using EPA's MOBILE Emissions Model. This model provides vehicle emissions data that is used to quantify emissions reduced by measures reducing vehicle emissions.

Commute Solutions Program

CAMPO also works to reduce motor vehicle emissions is through the Commute Solutions program. This program is a partnership of local governements, businesses and organizations that work to advocate and educate the benefits of using alternatives to single-occupant vehicle (SOV) travel. For more information, see www.CommuteSolutions.com.

 

What can YOU do to improve our air quality?

CAMPO encourages citizens to do their share for clean air. Here are ways you can help:

• Drive less: Try transit, carpooling, biking or walking. Combine trips when possible. Telecommute or work a compressed work week.
• Reduce emissions in the morning: Try flex-time at work, delay meetings and non-essential work travel until afternoon.
• Refuel vehicles in the evening.
• Maintain your vehicle - simple tune-ups keep your emissions cleaner.
• Park your car in the garage or shade to reduce evaporative emissions.
• Reduce unnecessary idling emissions. Park and walk inside instead.

For more information about air quality in Central Texas, visit these websites:

The CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas

CAPCOG's Air Quality Planning Division