As reported in the Houston Chronicle, the Houston area's high ozone readings have earned it the
distinction as the most smog-ridden area in the United States, surpassing long-time leader Los
Angeles.
Defenders point out that Houston exceeds standards only in ozone, not several pollutants like
other cities, and that overall air quality in Houston has actually improved over the past 20 years in
spite of continued growth. Nonetheless, this new rank brings severe consequences, not only in
the quality of life experienced by area residents, but also in economics.
The specific challenge & consequences
As a result of multi-site monitoring, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified
the Greater Houston Area (including Harris and its seven surrounding counties) as an ozone
"severe non-attainment" area, as set forth in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
(Eight-county severe non-attainment area)
|
The challenge is to meet the existing National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone
by the year 2007 and a new ozone standard by the year 2010.
Failure to meet these standards would bring sanctions such as a moratorium against future
development, loss of highway funding, restrictive highway access and fewer new jobs. "The
consequences would have a devastating impact on the economic viability of the Greater Houston
area," states Herb Appel, President of the Fort Bend Economic Development Council.
The way out
To avoid these consequences, the Houston-Galveston area must develop and submit a State
Implementation Plan (SIP) to the EPA. The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(TNRCC) has been charged by the EPA to prepare this SIP outlining the development and
implementation of programs to achieve compliance with the NAAQS.
The first deadline for the Houston-Galveston SIP was November 1999. However, according to
most experts, of the eight scenarios contained in the current draft plan, none meet the Air Quality
standards by the 2007 deadline.
If the EPA rejects the plan, the TNRCC would have 18 months to submit a plan that does meet
the standards. If the second deadline passes without an acceptable plan, the Clean Air Act calls
for elimination of highway funding for the area.
What it will take
Realizing the critical nature of the matter, most agree that all sectors of society, including
business, industry, government and individuals must do their part to reduce the amount of
emissions necessary to achieve the ozone standards.
Several groups have become actively involved in building consensus and exploring a range of
alternatives to achieve compliance. More than 60 organizations, for example, have endorsed a set
of
"Principles for Clean Air Now".
These principles set out a number of key issues and encourage the TNRCC to
create opportunities for participation among regional shareholders as the SIP is developed.
According to John Perry, LJA Vice President, "This is not the time to be silent. We need every
faction represented to build consensus, and to get to a plan that meets the twin goals of ensuring
the safety and health of people as well as the continued growth of business in our area."
A meaningful dialogue between the EPA, TNRCC and business groups is critical. Concerned
citizens and business people are encouraged to get involved. To learn more, contact the Business
Coalition for Clean Air (BCA), Jennifer Shepard at (713) 844-3629.
|
Fast Facts:
What is the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)? The Federal Clean Air Act
established national goals for air quality based on six pollutants, namely particulate matter (PM10,
carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) ozone (O3) and lead. Any
area where air quality does not meet the standard for any one of these pollutants is considered to
be a "non-attainment area' for that specific pollutant.
Except for ozone readings, Houston meets all other NAAQS. This attainment status has existed
for 17 years.
|
