Central Texas is on the cusp of violating federal ground-level ozone standards, said CLEAN AIR Force representatives at City Hall on Wednesday, which marked the start of the 2009 Ozone Season.
The CLEAN AIR Force, an organization aimed at motivating citizens, businesses and government to reduce air pollution, met with industry representatives to announce its Big Push campaign. The drive will focus on curbing ozone emissions from cars, trucks and power plants.
Initiatives include introducing employee incentives for using cleaner commuting options, promoting carpooling and designating Ozone Alert Days on which employees can work from home. The Ozone Season runs from April to October.
Austin Mayor Will Wynn said the spring and summer months will “make or break” Austin’s reputation and history as an attainment area. Air- quality measurements recorded during this time will determine whether Central Texas passes the federal test for clean air.
Past initiatives to reduce Central Texas’ ozone levels have included citizen e-mail alerts warning of ozone level increases, ozone education programs and promoting electric lawn mowers.
Deanna Altenhoff, the force’s executive director, said this year’s message was more hard hitting, following the Environmental Protection Agency’s warning that Central Texas is in danger of non-attainment designation.
“The challenge is more pressing than ever,” she said. “Austin has always been known for their passion for the environment. We need to reinforce that passion now more than ever.”
Wynn said failure to meet the federal standard would have heavy costs for the local economy, as federal intervention would increase transport-industry costs and impose heavier regulations on local business and government. However, the biggest cost, said Wynn, is the health of Central Texas citizens.
Ground level ozone is a reactive molecule that, when inhaled, burns airways and the lining of the lungs, causing increased irritation and inflammation, said Dr. Bennie McWilliams of the Dell Children’s Medical Center. During his speech at the event, he said Austin’s clean air is vital to the health of Austin’s elderly and youth.
“It really does make a difference,” McWilliams said. “Children and the elderly are more susceptible to ozone than adults, with a direct correlation between the worsening of asthma and lung disease.”
Wynn urged local businesses to follow the lead of the city of Austin in reducing ground-level ozone levels.
The city’s efforts will include the addition of 100 hybrid vehicles to its fleet, the installation of a compressed natural gas station and subsidizing mass transport for employers.
“The government can’t do it alone,” he said. “The city of Austin plays a small role in the prowess of the area in reducing ozone levels. We need major employers and private businesses to help in the effort.”
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