 "Photo: Shelley Neuman/The Daily Texan")
The Clean Air Force of Central Texas, an organization that promotes improving air quality through educational programs, is continuing its efforts to inform citizens about the harmful effects of ozone emissions in the region.
The group designed its “Big Push” campaign this year to keep Austin in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation standards this “ozone season,” the period from April 1 to October 31, when ozone levels are highest.
Bryan Lambeth, spokesman for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, said at the group’s presentation at Green Pastures Restaurant on Tuesday that while Austin’s ozone levels have been in decline, they still do not meet the new EPA standards which lowered the amount of emissions permitted.
“We’re right on the edge,” Lambeth said. “We’ll just have to wait and see but right now we’re slightly above standards.”
He said that if Austin does not meet the EPA guidelines for emissions levels, the city could be designated as being in non-attainment of achieving ozone standards, which would put them in a probationary period with the agency. This would make it more difficult for the city to receive federal funding for projects such as road construction.
Deanna Altenhoff, executive director of the Clean Air Force, said the team is urging local residents to help reduce emissions this ozone season.
“I think we’re so close and so on the cusp,” Altenhoff said. “We’re here to ask you for your help. We’ve got government and businesses doing their part, and we need to get citizens engaged. We’re trying to create awareness, so we can get through the really harsh months.”
She said businesses that partner with the Clean Air Force offer incentives for lowering ozone emissions to their employees, such as allowing them to trade in their parking spaces for bus passes to reduce traffic congestion.
“It’s wise for them to do this now rather than to have restrictions put on them later,” Altenhoff said.
The Clean Air Force also organizes initiatives to lower ozone levels with other members of the Austin community, such as their clean school bus program and their electric lawn mower program.
“We think we can make a difference if everyone does their part and realizes that there is a problem,” Altenhoff said.
She said Austin residents should try to reduce unnecessary driving and electricity use to limit their emissions.
“Being aware of ozone alert days is one of the main things so that people know when to take precautions,” Altenhoff said.
James Frank, a Capital Metro bus driver, said he felt more students should use local public transportation systems to commute to school and work.
“You would have lower ozone emissions because there would be less cars traveling and less congestion on the roads,” Frank said. “More kids should take advantage of the bus system because they pay for it with tuition.”
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