Agenda Alamo Area Council of Governments Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Wednesday, May 25, 2016 – 8:45 a.m. Al J. Notzon III Board Room 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78217-6228
1. Meeting Called to Order.
2. Roll Call.
3. Public Comments.
4. Consider and Act upon the March 23, 2016 Minutes
5. Ozone Report
6. Consider and act upon the recommendation to amend the AIR Committee Bylaws.
7. Report on the Joint CAPCOG Central Texas Clean Air Coalition & AACOG AIR Executive Committee Air Quality Meeting.
8. Status on the RFP for the Cost of Non-Attainment.
9. AIR Public Education Committee Update
A. Air Quality Outreach and Education Update
B. Update on the communication Plan
10. Consider and act upon membership recommendations for the AIR Advisory Committee:
A. Richard Perez, President and CEO - San Antonio Chamber of Commerce (alternate: Stephanie Reyes, Vice President of Public Affairs for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce)
B. Jesse Balleza – VIA Metropolitan Transit
11. Clean Cities Report
12. Regional Air Quality Strategic Plan
A. Consider and act upon the Request to Increase Legislative Appropriations for TERP.
B. Consider and act upon a resolution encouraging the State Legislature to continue support for near non-attainment funding for the San Antonio region.
13. Next Meetings - July 27, 2016, 8:45 am
14. Adjournment
This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. The accessible entrance is located at the front entrance of 8700 Tesoro Drive. Accessible parking spaces are also available. Please contact AACOG for auxiliary aids and services for the hearing impaired, including interpreters for the deaf, at (210) 362-5200 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or by calling Texas Relay at 7-1-1 for assistance. DRAFT Agenda Item 4: Consider and act upon approval of the March 23, 2016 minutes. Minutes of the Alamo Area Council of Governments Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday March 23, 2016 at 8:45 a.m. Al J. Notzon III Board Room 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100 San Antonio, Texas 78217-6228 Present Committee Members Mayor Chris Riley, Vice Chair, Leon Valley - Alamo Area MPO Andy Winter for Judge Nelson Wolff - Bexar County Mayor John Williams , Universal City - Greater Bexar County Council of Cities Commissioner Jim Wolverton - Guadalupe County Judge Sherman Krause - Comal County Councilman Wayne Peters - City of New Braunfels T. J. Mayes for Councilman Nirenberg - City of San Antonio
Committee Members Not Present Judge Robert Hurley - Atascosa County Judge Richard Jackson - Wilson County Commissioner Mike Fincke, Kendall County - AACOG Board of Directors Judge Darrel Lux - Kendall County VACANT - Medina County VACANT - City of Pleasanton VACANT - City of Bandera VACANT - City of Seguin VACANT - City of Boerne VACANT - City of Hondo VACANT - City of Floresville VACANT - Alamo Regional RPO
Present Ex-officio Committee Members Andy Quittner, City of Seguin - Chair AIR Technical Committee Dean Word, Dean Word Company - Chair AIR Advisory Committee
Guests AACOG Staff Olga Salinas, Alamo Cement Brenda Williams, Director of Natural Resources Jesse Balleza, VIA Metropolitan Transit Steve Smeltzer, Environmental Manager Krystal Henagan, Mom’s Clean Air Force Nic Jones, Clean City Coordinator Ryan Weber, World Resources Institute Dr. Annette Prosterman, N. R. Transportation Coord. Maricela Díaz-Wells, N. R. Transportation Specialist Air Tech/Air Advisory/Air Pub Members Lyle Hufstetler, N. R. Transportation Specialist Peter Bella, ImagineSA Lisy Velázquez, Administrative Assistant Patricia Lawhorn, Alamo Area MPO Christopher Ashcraft, STEER Mario Bravo, Environmental Defense Fund Ana Sandoval, Citizen
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Page 1 March 23, 2016 DRAFT Agenda Item 4: Consider and act upon approval of the March 23, 2016 minutes.
1. Meeting called to order Mayor Chris Riley called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m.
2. Roll call A quorum was achieved. 3. Public Comments There were no public comments.
4. Approval of Minutes Mr. Peter Bella had a comment to the AIR Executive Committee, as he needed clarification in regards to the approval of the minutes. Mr. Bella commented that to his knowledge, the ability to vote is restricted to the elected officials who are members, therefore it is not clear to Mr. Bella that a quorum could be reached if people are acting as alternates on behalf of the elected officials. Ms. Williams replied to the comment saying that letters were provided to AACOG, appointing the alternates, and they have consulted with their elected officials on these items. Mr. Bella was satisfied with the answer.
Mr. Russell Seal brought up the point of the bylaws discussion with the AIR Committees to propose changes as it was one of the items that was left tabled at the AIR Advisory Committee level to discuss, however that meeting was cancelled for March 17th, 2016 and the discussion had not taken place through the committees on how the bylaws will come together and that all AIR Committees will accept and operate under these rules. He said that although he is happy to operate under the new bylaws rules after they are discussed and voted on, he is a bit disappointed in that process is not being fulfilled. Ms. Williams replied to the comment and said that they felt the previous language was too vague, and with that regard, it was wanted to spell out the bylaws more clearly with new bylaws, as they have not been voted on yet. Mr. Steven Smeltzer added that the committees are still acting under the current bylaws until the new bylaws are approved. Mr. Seal pointed out that regular committee meetings need to be held and not be cancelled in order to complete these processes in a timely manner, as it is very important to get this done. Mayor Riley asked if the current bylaws allow the substitution, and Ms. Williams answered that the current bylaws does not address it clearly.
Mayor Riley asked if it was the consensus of the committee to move forward to the approval of the minutes and encourage the amendment of the bylaws process as soon as possible and members agreed. Mayor John Williams made a motion to approve the minutes of January 27th, 2016 and Councilman Wayne Peters seconded the motion. The motion carried and the minutes were approved unanimously.
5. Ozone Report A. Consider and Act Upon TCEQ’s State Ozone Designation Recommendation Mr. Smeltzer mentioned that the item was received from TCEQ on March 15, 2016 and was unaware of it until Friday, March 18, 2016, as mainly it is the reason why the information was provided to the committee members later than when the original packet was released. TCEQ is requesting public comment on in potential area designations and boundaries under the 70ppb ozone standard, and the comment period is from March 15, 2016 to April 15, 2016. Mr. Smeltzer said that TCEQ is moving forward since by October 1st 2016 the governor from each state will need to recommend designations of attainment, nonattainment or unclassifiable for
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Page 2 March 23, 2016 DRAFT Agenda Item 4: Consider and act upon approval of the March 23, 2016 minutes. each county within their region. The latest available ozone monitoring data from 2013 through 2015 would be used in this recommendation and based on this three year guide from 2013 through 2015, new nonattainment counties under the 2015 ozone NAAQS would include Bexar County (78 ppb). Mr. Smeltzer referred to the Texas counties and recommended designations in the packet. The recommended designations include nonattainment, attainment and unclassifiable/attainment. Mr. Smeltzer mentioned to the committee for your consideration today we have a letter prepared for TCEQ stating that the AIR Executive Committee will advocate that TCEQ consider changing the premise for their recommendation and instead of a nonattainment designation for Bexar County, recommend an “unclassifiable” designation mainly for three reasons: 1) The EPA plans to make final designation values based on the 2014 to 2016 certified air quality data, and the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA is actively pursuing additional control strategies that are expected to impact 2016 ozone levels 2) The MSA’s ozone levels are greatly influenced by transport from other Texas regions and beyond 3) The MSA’s ozone observations are within a level of measurement uncertainly that could result in a design value that meets the 2015 ozone NAAQS for the 3-base nonattainment designations. In addition, there will be a two page document that will be attached to the letter with further detail in reference to those three reasons. Mr. Seal commented that he appreciates the not having the timeline to get this when the AIR Advisory Committee meeting was cancelled and the committee was unable to have a discussion in the very short timeframe to comment and react. He added that commenting and reacting is very important to this committee and it is an important decision that the community makes on how to approach and proceed with this, Mr. Seal said that by being in denial of a problem, he personally feels it is not the correct way handle it. Mr. Seal stated that having received the documentation late the previous night, he had not had time to review it in order to consult with professional staff from the Sierra Club he represents, and talk with them and get advice to bring that discussion to the Advisory Committee and understand the consequences and how Mr. Seal’s representation of 2000 plus members of San Antonio feel and react to this. Mr. Seal said that at this time, if he was on the Advisory Committee he would not be able to vote on the language, and his gut feeling is that it is not the proper way to go about it, and at some point take action, as the community needs acceptance that there is a problem. Mr. Seal added that you cannot get the citizens of San Antonio and the surrounding areas to start taking responsibility for decisions they are making with their houses, their cars, etc. until we have a designation that there is a problem. Denial will not get us there and the sense of urgency that we need. Mr. Seal realizes that there is a very short time period to proceed, but as a community there is a need to work the problem, and to take a bit more time to send a letter like this. Mayor Riley asked if there was a deadline to get the letter out, and Mr. Smeltzer replied the deadline is April 15, 2016. Mr. Riley also pointed out that there will not be another meeting until April 29, 2016. Mr. T.J. Mayes commented that he appreciates the comments from Mr. Seal, however the City of San Antonio is pursuing a sustainability plan, therefore there is a substantial community input and acceptance of the fact that there is a problem, and he mentioned that the CPS rebate program has been successful, which also means that the community recognizes there is a problem. Mr. Mayes added that before a TCEQ recommendation of nonattainment to the EPA, we would like the chance to see those (City of San Antonio and CPS programs) work, to mitigate the air quality problem here. Mr. Mayes concluded saying that this is his perspective and he appreciates the chance to speak. Mr. Andy Quittner commented that not as the AIR Technical Committee Chair, but as a representative from an outline community, he would like to support this letter and back it up. Mr. Quittner said he will recommend a resolution to the City Council since it is not only a Bexar County issue, and if TCEQ includes Bexar County, then that also includes the MSA will be paid
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Page 3 March 23, 2016 DRAFT Agenda Item 4: Consider and act upon approval of the March 23, 2016 minutes. by the EPA and that is a great concern, therefore it would be best if things move along, yes we recognize there is a problem, but sometimes the way to address the problem is to handle it the way they are doing it currently. Mr. Winter commented to Mr. Smeltzer that Bexar County would like to have a joint voice in order for everybody to be in agreement, this is why Mr. Winter recommended that AACOG produce a letter, however just because AACOG is doing the letter, it does not prevent The Sierra Club, or any individual city to have any additional comments. Mr. Seal commented that the AIR Executive meeting does represent consensus member organizations from various organizations that historically take the AIR Technical Advisory Committees up to the AIR Executive Committee and the opportunity is not there to have that voter discussion at this time, and therefore, he does not see a way for that to happen before the deadline. Mayor Chris Riley mentioned that there was always the possibility that TCEQ could reject the recommendations on the letter, nevertheless it may give more flexibility when the letter is sent and try to work on moving from non-attainment to classified. Mr. Dean Word commented that it would be quite difficult for him to chair an emergency meeting given the amount of time to complete an agenda, before the 72 hour mandatory period to post the meeting, meet quorum and for the AIR Executive meeting to meet before the deadline of April 15, 2016. Mayor Williams commented that this is an opportunity to acknowledge the letter and respectfully disagree with the letter and therefore he is prepared to make a motion to approve the letter, with that being said Mayor John Williams made a motion, seconded by Mr. T.J. Mayes to consider and act upon to adopt the letter for TCEQ’s State Ozone Designation Recommendation and send the letter to TCEQ as discussed. The motion carried unanimously. 6. Mr. Steven Smeltzer suggested to move to item 7A, Consider and act upon letter to school superintendents, due to being an action item. Mr. Nic Jones reported that 37 letters will need to go out to local school superintendents on the proposed anti-idling ordinance from Bexar County and the City of San Antonio, to offer to educate their drivers and best practices on what other states are doing, and in addition, to offer to educate them on an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) grant that could pay for 100% of labor, installation and to help reduce some of the emission from the buses. Mr. Jones is hoping that the local school superintendents could be educated, achieve outreach on the anti-idling ordinance, and help them clean up their buses. Mayor Riley commented that she feels this is an excellent opportunity for the school districts as a possibility of a grant that could pay the labor involved. A motion was made by Mayor Williams, seconded by Mr. T.J. Mayes, to consider and act upon a letter to school superintendents. The motion carried unanimously. 7. TERP Funding Opportunities for Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Equipment in Texas (Item 7B) Mr. Jones mentioned this item is an update of the TERP funds that are available, the Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program, which comes out every year and it is fairly generic. Mr. Jones said that this year he is trying to work with HEB Fleet and the large application that it has for that grant, and there is a possibility for a few other stakeholders that he has talked to with natural gas vehicles to expand their fleet business program. There were no questions for Mr. Nic Jones on the update and funding source. 8. The next agenda item is Consider and Act upon a resolution, letter, and/or other documentation in support of Clean Power Plan (CPP) (Item 8A) Mr. Steven Smeltzer mentioned that this item is in the form of a resolution to support the Clean Power Plan, a historic and important step in reducing carbon pollution from power plants that
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Page 4 March 23, 2016 DRAFT Agenda Item 4: Consider and act upon approval of the March 23, 2016 minutes. takes a real action on climate change, while maintaining energy reliability and affordability. Mr. Smeltzer proceeded to say that on August 3, 2015, the EPA finalized the Clean Power Plan Rule, issued on October 23, 2015, and challenged by 27 states (including Texas) in D.C. Circuit of Appeals. What is occurring next is the oral arguments that are scheduled before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on June 2, 2016. Mr. Smeltzer presented the resolution for the consideration of the AIR Executive Committee, which expresses that the AIR Executive Committee will be in support of the Clean Power Plan, which establishes carbon dioxide (CO2) emission performance rates and encouraging the substitution of lower-emitting or zero-emitting renewable energy sources at fossil fuel-fired and natural gas-fired power plants as power plants are point sources, and all point sources in the U.S. are projected to account to 32% of peak 1- hour ozone at San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA’s highest-observation ozone monitor (C58) in 2018. Mr. Bella noted that one of the great difficulties in obtaining the ozone standard in our region is transport. He continued to say that a local group, such as those who are subjective to a non- attainment designation or status, have virtually no tools to be able to see what comes in on the air and what impacts their local readings, this is one of the few tools available in looking at the reduction of in NOx from coal power generation in other areas of the state and the nation and one of the few tools we have at our disposal as a local basis for affecting transport. Mr. Seal added that he would like to congratulate Doyle Beneby from CPS in taking a leadership role and for his forward thinking on how to be in compliance with the clean power plant. A motion was made by Mayor Williams, seconded by Commissioner Wolverton, to consider and act upon a resolution, letter, and/or other documentation in support of the Clean Power Plan. The motion carried unanimously. 9. The next agenda item is Consider and act upon agenda items for the joint AIR Executive and Clean Air Force of Texas meeting (Item 9) Mr. Smeltzer confirmed that the AIR Executive and Central Texas Clean Air Coalition will hold a joint meeting on Friday, April 29th, 2016, at 10:00am in San Marcos at the Embassy Suites Hotel. The possible agenda items could include: Possible non-attainment designations under 2015 70ppb ozone standard Joint control strategy development Status of Austin’s inspection and maintenance program Status of commitment forms from the roundtables and Greater Bexar County Council of Cities (GBCCC) meetings Public education outreach campaigns Status of Texas Emission Reduction Program (TERP and support for making TERP available to large industrial power facilities Mr. Smeltzer opened the discussion for any possible changes or suggestions from the AIR Executive Committee. Mr. Seal asked what the deadline was to submit agenda items, since he would like to consult with members of their organization and see what kind of suggestions they may have. Mr. Smeltzer responded that April the 22nd would be the deadline, however they would like to receive any information by April 19th or 20th in order to give enough time to prepare the materials and work with the other organizations to review the material. Mr. Smeltzer also added that the agenda items can be emailed to him and he would forward to the four chairs for approval to be on the agenda for the joint meeting. A motion was made by Mr. T.J. Mayes, seconded by Mayor Williams, to consider and act upon the list of agenda items, with potential additional agenda items that may be forwarded before the deadline, for the joint AIR Executive and Clean Air Force of Texas meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Page 5 March 23, 2016 DRAFT Agenda Item 4: Consider and act upon approval of the March 23, 2016 minutes. Mrs. Williams added that AACOG is offering a bus service with the Alamo Regional Transit vans and buses to and from San Marcos from AACOG’s parking lot. The Alamo Regional Transit Department would like to know approximately how many would be interested in this service; those interested raised their hand. 10. Mr. Steven Smeltzer suggested to move to item 6 and 6A, AIR Public Education Committee update and Air Quality Outreach and Education Update. Dr. Annette Prosterman reported that within the next few days emails will be sent to area TV meteorologists, to remind them that the ozone season is starting and to ask their help in educating viewers of ozone action days and their implications. She mentioned that throughout the ozone season, there will be graphics and other resources sent, that could be used as on air and website forecasts, and AACOG will try to meet with meteorologists that they did not have a chance to meet last year. Ms. Prosterman added that within the next few days they will be emailing City Administrators and school nurses to remind them of their assistance as well and AACOG Commute Solutions program will be hosting the Fresh Air Friday event in downtown San Antonio, to draw public attention to the beginning of the ozone season and encourage commuters to adopt behaviors that will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, approximately about twenty of AACOG’s partner organizations will be participating at this event as well. Dr. Prosterman reported that on April 16th, 2016, AACOG will be participating at the Earth Day event at Woodlawn Lake Park, Councilman Nirenberg will present the 2016 Air Quality Stewardship Awards, awardees include DoSeum, Brundage Management, CPS Energy, Joint Base San Antonio, University Health System, and VIA Metropolitan Transit. Dr. Prosterman continued and mentioned during May AACOG will be hosting our 10th annual Walk & Roll Challenge, which is a friendly competition amongst employers to see whose employees will record the greatest percentage of trips taken by alternative means, and so far 15 employers have accepted the challenge. Dr. Prosterman reported that on another note, ten research firms responded to the request for proposals for an air quality input survey to assess support for various ozone reduction strategies, within upcoming weeks the AIR Public Education Committee will help guide the processes of research firm selection, survey development, and analysis, and we expect to have the final report this fall. Dr. Prosterman announced that they have formed a steering committee to help develop a fundraising plan, draw up the scope of work and a review proposals for the creation of a comprehensive regional branding strategy and materials to promote, improve air quality in the MSA. AACOG’s plan is to begin utilizing this brand by the later part of the ozone season. Mayor Riley asked Dr. Prosterman in regards to the Walk & Roll Challenge, if there is any way to expand the amount of current business participants. Dr. Prosterman replied that she would love to expand the amount of participants, she currently sends letters, emails, makes phone calls, and every year if it does not work with one person in the organization, we try with another since you never know if you may get the right person to participate on the challenge. There were no additional questions or comments for Dr. Annette Prosterman. 11. Mayor Riley suggested item 5B to be the next item, EPA guidance on area designations for the 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standards. Mr. Steven Smeltzer reported that on February 25, 2015 EPA provided guidance on area designations for the 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standards. The EPA recommends that states refer to the area designations for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS when preparing their recommendations on area designations. There are five factors identified in the Guidance for Area Designations for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS along with data and data sources that may be useful in evaluating each are on a case-by-case basis and in making boundary
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Page 6 March 23, 2016 DRAFT Agenda Item 4: Consider and act upon approval of the March 23, 2016 minutes. recommendations. The five factors include: Air Quality Data, Emissions and Emissions-Related Data, Meteorology, Geography/Topography, Jurisdictional Boundaries. 12. The next agenda item is item 5C, Status of Monitoring Operations. Mr. Steven Smeltzer reported that AACOG released last month a Request for Proposal (RFP) for qualified research firms to collect ozone precursor and meteorological data, this is part of the operation of AACOG’s ozone monitor network in the AACOG region and potential operating measurements. The Ozone Monitoring Subcommittee met on March 4, 2016 to discuss the three bidders and complete the proposal evaluation matrix. A winning bidder was selected and AACOG is working with Procurement on the contract details. 13. Mayor Riley suggested moving to the next agenda item, item 10, Status on the RFP for the Cost of Non-Attainment. Mr. Steven Smeltzer reported that the RFP for the Cost of Non-Attainment has not yet been released, however AACOG is in the process for the RFP to be released and hopes it will be released within the next two weeks. 14. The next agenda item is 8B, EPA’s Ozone Advance guidance. Ms. Brenda Williams reported that this is an informational item and does not require any discussion. Ms. Williams reported that the Ozone Advance program is being revised due to the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard, where the focus of the Ozone Advance program should now be on the maintenance of the new, tighter NAAQS rather than prior NAAQS. Mayor Riley asked Ms. Williams for an update on the Anti-Idling Ordinance, Ms. Williams responded that the City of San Antonio, Ms. Liza Meyer and Bexar County, Mr. Andy Winter, and several of AACOG staff, have developed webpages both on AACOG’s site and the City of San Antonio’s website, and Anti-Idling is now “live.” AACOG also has a fact sheet that will be distributed to stakeholders and drivers, and has participated in presentations at counties’ suburban cities meetings, at the San Antonio Manufacturers Association at Leon Valley City Council last week. Ms. Williams added that this particular initiative has gained momentum and AACOG is very encouraged by the fact that a number of jurisdictions are considering it, and she believes both the City of San Antonio and Bexar County will be taking the initiative to their governing body soon. Mr. Seal made a suggestion to add a possible agenda item for the Joint AIR Executive and Clean Air Force of Texas meeting. He mentioned that although it may not happen until the year 2017, the committee may want to consider having some kind of joint effort to rewrite the state law to allow for civil enforcement instead of criminal enforcement being that in the long run, a lot more could be done. Mayor Riley asked if there were any other possible agenda items to add to this joint meeting, there were no other comments. 15. Next Meetings, April 29th, 2016, 10:00a.m., Joint AIR Executive and Clean Air Force of Texas and March 25th, 2016, AIR Executive Committee meeting, 8:45a.m. Mayor Riley wanted to remind the members that the Bylaws item will be in discussion for the AIR Executive meeting as it needs to be addressed.
16. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Page 7 March 23, 2016 Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Agenda Item # 5. Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Title: Ozone Report Presented by: Steven Smeltzer, Environmental Manager, AACOG
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION: As of April 8, 2016, San Antonio is in violation of the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
BACKGROUND/HISTORY: In October 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated its revised ozone NAAQS. The annual fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour concentration, averaged over three years, measured at each monitor within an area must not exceed 70 ppb. The chart below shows that the monitors at Camp Bullis C58 and San Antonio NW CAMS 23 each have a three- year average of 71 ppb.
4th Highest Reading, ppb Current* 3 Year Monitor Site 2014 2015 2016* Average Camp Bullis C58 72 80 63 71 San Antonio NW C23 69 79 66 71 Calaveras Lake C59 63 68 60 63 * Current as of May 15, 2016; 2016 values not yet validated by TCEQ
DISCUSSION: The fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour ozone for 2016 had to remain below 61 ppb at Camp Bullis to achieve the revised ozone NAAQS. For the San Antonio NW C23 monitor, the fourth- highest daily maximum 8-hour ozone must not exceed 64 ppb. The first week of April was characterized by elevated ozone levels (daily maximum 8-hour ozone > 55 ppb) across much of Texas. The period from April 4 through April 8 saw four days with 8-hour ozone over 61 ppb at Camp Bullis (San Antonio NW only reported for two days during that time; one of which was 66 ppb). 4/4/2016: 63 ppb 4/7/2016: 61 ppb 4/5/2016: 63 ppb 4/8/2016: 64 ppb 4/6/2016: 50 ppb
Meteorological conditions were typical of high ozone days with a pronounced wind shift from NW in the pre-dawn hours to SE or S in the afternoon at CAMS 58. Temperatures for this period were characterized by highs in the upper-70s to low-80s. Lows ranged from the upper-40s to mid-50s. The air was relatively dry with afternoon humidity values ranging from 22% to 31.2%.
Another high ozone event occurred May 3 – 7 for most of Texas. The San Antonio region saw its highest daily average 8-hour ozone of the 2016 season at CAMS 23. There is not much morning wind data available for 5/5 and 5/6 at CAMS 23. CAMS 58 saw the typical NW-SE wind shift from morning to afternoon on 5/6, but not on 5/5, when CAMS 23 was 13 ppb higher than CAMS 58. A strong cool front moved through the region on April 30 and became stationary just south of the area for the next couple days. High pressure began building behind the front, finally pushing it south into the Gulf of Mexico. San Antonio was at the tail end of a weaker front that moved through the morning of 5/5, bringing a 10% drop in afternoon relative humidity.
Station 5/3/2016 5/4/2016 5/5/2016 5/6/2016 5/7/2016 5/8/2016 CAMS 23 53 55 74 71 56 41 CAMS 58 49 58 61 69 58 41 CAMS 59 55 60 57 67 53 42
Prior to the start of the 2016 ozone season, C58 exceeded the previous ozone NAAQS of 75 ppb. 4th Highest Reading, ppb Monitor Site Design Value 2013 2014 2015 Camp Bullis C58 83 72 80 78 San Antonio NW C23 76 69 79 74 Calaveras Lake C59 69 63 68 66
The following graph shows the Design Value trend from 2006 to 2015. There has been a downward trend since 2013 at all monitors. The overall 10-year trend is also downward, but not consistently so.
FUTURE ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION: Under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), the EPA will make the designations determinations and nonattainment area boundary decisions in the final action that designates all areas for the 2015 ozone standards. The guidance is located here: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-02/documents/ozone-designations-guidance- 2015.pdf
On Feb. 25, 2016, EPA provided guidance on area designations for the 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The anticipated timeline of important milestones to the initial ozone area designations process for the 2015 ozone NAAQS are provided below.
Anticipated Timeline for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS Designations Process Milestone Date The EPA promulgates 2015 Ozone NAAQS October 1, 2015 States submit recommendations for ozone designations No later than October 1, 2016 to the EPA The EPA notifies states concerning any intended No later than June 2, 2017 modifications to their recommendations (120-day letters) The EPA publishes public notice of state On or about July 10, 2017 recommendations and the EPA’s intended modifications and initiates 30 day public comment period States submit additional information to respond to the No Later than August 7, 2017 EPA’s modifications of a recommended designation The EPA promulgates final ozone area designations No later than October 1, 2017
The EPA recommends that States refer to the following for area designations for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS when preparing their recommendations on area designations. The five factors identified in the Guidance for Area Designations for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS are listed below, along with data and data sources that may be useful in evaluating each area on a case-by-case basis and in making boundary recommendations. The following is not an exclusive list of factors, data, or sources of data that could be considered in assessing an area. EPA is providing this list as a useful tool for the designations process, and it should not be construed as representing a decision by EPA to rely solely on this list for final designation determinations. EPA intends, at a minimum, to evaluate these factors, data and/or data sources in making final determinations regarding area designations for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS. If a state does not submit designation recommendations, then the EPA will promulgate the initial designations that the agency deems appropriate.
Factor 1: Air Quality Data: The air quality analysis is an examination of available ambient ozone air quality monitoring data, including the annual design value calculated for each area based on air quality data for a 3-year period.
Factor 2: Emissions and Emissions-Related Data: The emissions analysis examines emissions of precursors (NOX and VOCs) that form ozone in the county with the violating monitor and in nearby counties. Emissions data indicate the potential for a source to contribute to observed violations, making it useful in assessing boundaries of nonattainment areas.
Factor 3: Meteorology: The evaluation of meteorological data helps to determine the effect on the fate and transport of emissions contributing to ozone concentrations and to identify areas potentially contributing to the monitored violations. One basic meteorological analysis involves assessing potential source-receptor relationships in the area using summaries of emissions, wind speed, and wind direction data. A more sophisticated assessment involves modeling air parcel trajectories to help understand complex transport situations. The HYSPLIT (HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) modeling system may be useful for some areas to produce trajectories that illustrate the 3-dimensional paths traveled by air parcels to a violating monitor.
Factor 4: Geography/Topography: The geography/topography analysis includes an examination of physical features of the land that might define the airshed and, therefore, affect the formation and distribution of ozone over an area. Additional analyses may consider topographical features that cause local stagnation episodes via inversions.
Factor 5: Jurisdictional Boundaries: Existing jurisdictional boundaries may be considered for the purposes of providing a clearly defined legal boundary and carrying out the air quality planning and enforcement functions for nonattainment areas. Examples of jurisdictional boundaries include, but are not limited to: counties, air districts, metropolitan planning organizations, and existing nonattainment areas. If an existing jurisdictional boundary is used to help define the nonattainment area, it must encompass all of the area that has been identified as meeting the nonattainment definition. Where existing jurisdictional boundaries are not adequate to describe the nonattainment area, other clearly defined and permanent landmarks or geographic coordinates should be used.
COURSES OF ACTION: N/A
1 BYLAWS 2 3 AIR IMPROVEMENT RESOURCES COMMITTEE 4 5 in Partnership with the 6 7 ALAMO AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Article I – Name and Subcommittee Names 15 16 1. The name of the organization shall be the Air Improvement Resources Committee, 17 hereinafter referred to as the “AIR COMMITTEE.” 18 19 2. The AIR Committee shall be comprised of four subcommittees: 20 21 a. The Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee, hereinafter referred to as the 22 “AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE” 23 b. The Air Improvement Resources Advisory Committee, hereinafter referred to as the 24 “AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE” 25 c. The Air Improvement Resources Technical Committee, hereinafter referred to as the 26 “AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE” 27 d. The Air Improvement Resources Public Education Committee, hereinafter referred to 28 as the “AIR PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE” 29 30 3. Organizational flow chart:
31 32 33 4. The AIR COMMITTEE organization is subject to change if any part of the San Antonio-New 34 Braunfels Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is designated nonattainment. 35
AIR Committee Bylaws as amended May 25, 2016 Page 1 of 7
36 Article II – Purpose and Responsibilities 37 38 1. The AIR COMMITTEE is a consortium established to study, evaluate and recommend plans 39 and programs for improving air quality in order to protect human health in the San Antonio- 40 New Braunfels Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Plans and programs include voluntary or 41 regulated control measures and educational outreach; and are aimed at reducing emissions 42 to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standard 43 (NAAQS) for Ground-Level Ozone and at complementing transportation plans completed 44 under federal or state legislation by the Alamo Area MPO, TxDOT, or other local authorities. 45 A plan or recommendation of the AIR COMMITTEE may be adopted in whole or in part by 46 the governing body of a participating governmental unit. 47 48 2. Its primary responsibilities are related to ground-level ozone prevention and control, and 49 they include: 50 51 a. Developing a comprehensive emissions reduction plan for the region, 52 b. Directing research in support of developing air quality control strategies suitable for 53 incorporation into the State Implementation Plan (SIP), and 54 c. Providing public information and seeking public input relating to the current and 55 future measures to improve air quality. 56 57 3. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE members shall be responsible for actions in their 58 jurisdictions to support the implementation of the regional emission reduction plan. 59 60 4. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE shall guide AACOG support staff’s research, technical 61 analysis, and public education efforts. 62 63 5. The AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE shall advise the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE from the 64 perspective of public and private sectors and civic organizations. 65 66 6. The AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE shall provide the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE with 67 expertise to study the technical and scientific aspects of local air quality problems. 68 69 7. The AIR PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE, an informally structured committee, shall 70 advise AACOG regarding public outreach efforts and make recommendations to the AIR 71 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE regarding strategies, plans, and actions related to air quality 72 education. 73 74 8. AACOG shall act to facilitate meetings and to provide administrative, technical, and public 75 education support as directed by the AIR COMMITTEE. 76 77 Article III – Authority 78 79 The AIR COMMITTEE was founded in 1999 through an agreement between AACOG’s Board of 80 Directors and other responsible parties representing the City of San Antonio (COSA), Bexar 81 County, and the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) (formerly the San 82 Antonio-Bexar County MPO) as a regional air quality planning advisory body and in partnership 83 with AACOG as staff support. The AIR COMMITTEE was structured under the guidance of the 84 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) (formerly known as the Texas Natural 85 Resource Conservation Commission). 86
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87 Article IV – Membership 88 89 1. The AIR COMMITTEE, through membership of its subcommittees, will be broadly 90 representative of those within the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA affected by air quality 91 issues including government, businesses, civic organizations, industry, and the public. 92 93 2. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE members shall represent major government 94 organizations within the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA. 95 96 3. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will include a representative from all counties within the 97 region, including Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and 98 Wilson. A county government representative shall be an elected official serving as judge or 99 county commissioner and shall be appointed by the county they represent. 100 101 4. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will include a representative from the largest city in 102 each county in the region, including Pleasanton, Bandera, San Antonio, New Braunfels, 103 Seguin, Boerne, Hondo, and Floresville. The municipal government representative shall be 104 an elected official serving as mayor or city councilperson and shall be appointed by letter by 105 the municipality they represent. 106 107 5. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will include a representative from each of the regional 108 planning organizations, including the Alamo Area Council of Governments Board of 109 Directors (AACOG), Greater Bexar County Council of Cities (GBCCC), Alamo Area 110 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and Alamo Regional Rural Planning 111 Organization. Representatives shall be appointed by the agency they represent. 112 113 6. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will include as ex officio members representatives from 114 the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Federal Highway Administration 115 (FHWA); and the Chairs of the AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE and the AIR TECHNICAL 116 COMMITTEE, who may not vote. 117 118 7. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will advise changes to membership in any committee as 119 needed to maintain representation of all stakeholders’ interests or to address San Antonio- 120 New Braunfels MSA delineation changes made by the U.S. Census. 121 122 8. The AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE members shall be comprised of individuals who 123 represent businesses, environmental groups, education agencies, transportation 124 organizations, utilities, industry, chambers of commerce, health organizations, neighborhood 125 organizations, minority organizations, other elected officials and any other businesses or 126 organizations determined appropriate by the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Organizations 127 interested in AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE membership shall submit a letter to the AIR 128 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE for nomination of an individual representative. Representatives 129 shall be elected to membership by a majority vote of AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 130 Membership shall not exceed 30 individuals. 131 132 9. The AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE members shall be comprised of technical staff from 133 local planning agencies knowledgeable about air quality issues, which may include: 134 135 a. The counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and 136 Wilson counties,
AIR Committee Bylaws as amended May 25, 2016 Page 3 of 7
137 b. The cities of Pleasanton, Bandera, San Antonio, New Braunfels, Seguin, Boerne, 138 Hondo, and Floresville, 139 c. The organizations of AACOG, CPS Energy, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, 140 Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Alamo Regional Rural Planning 141 Organization, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) District Office, San 142 Antonio Water System (SAWS), and VIA Metropolitan Transit, or 143 d. Any agencies determined appropriate by the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 144 145 Organizations interested in AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE membership shall submit a letter 146 to the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE for nomination of an individual representative. 147 Representatives shall be elected to membership by a majority vote of AIR EXECUTIVE 148 COMMITTEE. 149 150 10. The AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE will include as ex officio members representatives from 151 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental Protection 152 Agency (EPA), who may not vote. 153 154 11. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE, and AIR TECHNICAL 155 COMMITTEE members may designate a principal alternate (herein referred to as alternate), 156 who may vote. A member must submit to AACOG a letter designating a principal alternate. 157 Ex officio members of the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, the Chair of the AIR ADVISORY 158 COMMITTEE and Chair of the AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE, shall designate their Vice- 159 Chair as a principal alternate. 160 161 12. If a member of the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE, and AIR 162 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE, or their designated alternate, fails to attend three consecutive 163 meetings, he or she is subject to removal by the chair of their committee. The committee 164 shall provide the member written notice of their removal. 165 166 13. A single member may not represent two organizations in one committee. A single 167 organization may only have a single voting member per committee. An individual may be a 168 member on more than one AIR COMMITEE. 169 170 14. The term of appointment for a member of the AIR COMMITTEE shall begin on the date of 171 appointment by the member’s representative body or election by the AIR EXECUTIVE 172 COMMITTEE and shall only terminate if a successor is appointed or the member is 173 removed. 174 175 15. A vacancy may occur when a member’s term expires or a member is no longer an elected 176 official. In the case of a vacancy, AACOG shall facilitate replacement of a member according 177 to the aforementioned member appointment or election processes. 178 179 16. When addressing the media, posting information on social media, or otherwise making 180 public presentations on matters affiliated with AACOG or the AIR COMMITTEE, members 181 shall make it clear that their views and opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect 182 the official position of AACOG or the AIR COMMITTEE unless otherwise directed by the AIR 183 COMMITTEE. In addition, members shall contact AACOG if contacted by the public or 184 media on matters affiliated with AACOG or the AIR COMMITTEE and shall not use their 185 membership affiliation to conduct personal business. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 186 chair shall act as the principal spokesperson. 187
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188 Article V – Officers 189 190 1. The officers of the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE, and AIR 191 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE shall include a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Alternate Vice-Chair. 192 193 2. The Chair, Vice-Chair, and Alternate Vice-Chair shall be elected by a majority vote at the 194 first regular meeting in an election year. In the case of a vacancy, as defined under Article 195 IV, a Chair, Vice-Chair, or Alternate Vice-Chair will be elected at the next regularly 196 scheduled meeting. 197 198 3. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE election years shall be odd-numbered years. The AIR 199 ADVISORY COMMITTEE and AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE election years shall be 200 concurrent every three years, beginning in 2017. 201 202 4. The term of appointment for the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair, Vice-Chair, and 203 Alternate Vice-Chair shall begin on the date of election by the AIR EXECUTIVE 204 COMMITTEE and last for two years, or until a successor is elected. 205 206 5. The term of appointment for the AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chair, Vice-Chair, and 207 Alternate Vice-Chair shall begin on the date of election by the AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE 208 and last for three years, or until a successor is elected. 209 210 6. The term of appointment for the AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Chair, Vice-Chair, and 211 Alternate Vice-Chair shall begin on the date of election by the AIR TECHNICAL 212 COMMITTEE and last for three years, or until a successor is elected. 213 214 7. Officers may serve consecutive terms indefinitely. 215 216 8. AACOG staff and ex officio members may not serve as officers. 217 218 9. The Chair shall preside over their committee meetings. The Vice-Chair will preside in the 219 absence of the Chair. If no Chair or Vice-Chair is in attendance, the Alternate Vice-Chair will 220 preside. 221 222 10. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair may sign instruments which the AIR EXECUTIVE 223 COMMITTEE has authorized to be executed, and in general, may perform all duties incident 224 to the office of the Chair and other such duties as may be prescribed by the AIR 225 COMMITTEE from time to time. 226 227 Article VI – Meetings 228 229 1. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE, and AIR TECHNICAL 230 COMMITTEE shall schedule regular meetings approximately every two months and will 231 attempt to meet at least six times per year. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE meetings 232 will generally occur prior to and on the same day as AACOG Board of Directors meetings. 233 The AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE and AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE meetings will 234 generally precede the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE meetings in order to provide input and 235 guidance to the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE agenda items. In general, the AIR 236 ADVISORY COMMITTEE will meet on the second Thursday of the month, and the AIR 237 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE will meet on the second Monday of the month. 238
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239 2. Meeting dates and times may be changed, additional meetings may be called, and meetings 240 may be cancelled with the consensus of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the committee via 241 telephone. 242 243 3. Regular meetings shall be held at AACOG located at 8700 Tesoro Drive, San Antonio, TX. 244 Meeting location may change subject to availability. 245 246 4. A quorum will consist of 40% of the number of members on a committee (excluding any 247 vacancies and ex officio members). Without a quorum present, a meeting shall adjourn 248 immediately or otherwise take measures to obtain a quorum. 249 250 5. A Chair, Vice-Chair, or Alternate Vice-Chair must be present to conduct an AIR EXECUTIVE 251 COMMITTEE, AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE, and AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE meeting. 252 253 6. Every member of the committee who is present shall vote or reserve the right to not vote. 254 Members shall not vote on items where there is a conflict of interest. 255 256 7. Voting is conducted during committee meetings. A majority vote of the members or 257 designated alternates present at committee meetings shall prevail on all motions, 258 resolutions, or election of officers. 259 260 8. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE, and AIR TECHNICAL 261 COMMITTEE meetings will be conducted in accordance with these bylaws and the most 262 recent revision of Roberts Rules of Order, where these bylaws supersede Roberts Rules of 263 Order. 264 265 9. The AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AIR ADVISORY COMMITTEE, and AIR TECHNICAL 266 COMMITTEE will only discuss agenda items during committee meetings. 267 268 10. Committee meetings will be open to the public. At AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AIR 269 ADVISORY COMMITTEE, and AIR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE meetings, an opportunity for 270 public comment will be provided under the agenda item “Citizens to be Heard” or during 271 discussion of a related action item on the agenda, not both. 272 273 11. Any person or organization wishing to address the committee shall sign up to speak. An 274 individual or an individual representing an organization will have three minutes to speak. 275 That time period may be expanded to a maximum of nine minutes, providing the speaker 276 has been allotted the time reserved by two others who have registered to speak. 277 278 12. AACOG staff shall prepare the minutes. 279 280 Article VII – Amendments 281 282 1. These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote at a regularly scheduled AIR 283 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE meeting. 284 285 2. A copy of the proposed amendments shall be transmitted, via written or electronic 286 communication, to all AIR COMMITEES for review at least 5 days prior to the meeting at 287 which they will be considered. 288
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289 3. The effective date of the bylaw amendments is the date the AIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 290 approves the amendments. 291 292 4. Adoption and Amendment History 293 a. Formation adopted March 25, 1999 294 b. Amended February 11, 2003 295 c. Bylaws adopted April 23, 2003 296 d. Amended November 3, 2004 297 e. Amended October 24, 2012 298 f. Corrected March 18, 2013 299 g. Amended July 24, 2013 300 h. Corrected August 1, 2013 301 i. Amended May 25, 2016
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Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Agenda Item # 7. Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Title: Report on the Joint CAPCOG Central Texas Clean Air Coalition & AACOG AIR Executive Committee Air Quality Meeting Presented by: Brenda Williams, Director of Natural Resources, AACOG
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION: Informational item regarding the joint AIR Executive Committee – Clean Air Coalition meeting held on April 29, 2016.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY: The first joint air quality meeting between AACOG’s Air Improvement Resources (AIR) Executive Committee and CAPCOG’s Clean Air Coalition was held on April 29 in San Marcos. Elected officials from the two committees approved a joint resolution requesting EPA consider specific actions during the 2015 ozone standard designation and implementation process that would provide nonattainment regions with more flexibility in meeting the new NAAQS. In addition, staff from both regions discussed potential control strategy coordination, legislative initiatives, and outreach activities.
DISCUSSION: The committees agreed to continue holding joint meetings in order to identify opportunities for collaboration on a larger regional scale. In addition, the AIR Executive Committee and Clean Air Coalition determined that holding combined meetings twice a year is optimal. The next joint meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 4, 2016 in San Marcos.
COURSES OF ACTION: N/A
1
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Agenda Item # 8. Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Title: Status on the RFP for the Cost of Non-Attainment Presented by: Brenda Williams, Natural Resources Director, AACOG
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION: AACOG is requesting proposals from qualified economic research firms to prepare a cost analysis associated with an ozone nonattainment designation for the San Antonio – New Braunfels Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
BACKGROUND/HISTORY: The cost includes complying with regulations imposed on ozone nonattainment areas as well as the cost of businesses deciding not to expand or relocate within the nonattainment area because of those regulations. The costs of a nonattainment designation will be determined under two different scenarios: a) where the MSA is designated marginal nonattainment, brings its Design Value down to 70 ppb by 2019, and the MSA is designated “maintenance” and b) the MSA fails to attain 70 ppb by 2019 and is bumped up to moderate nonattainment and would successfully reduce the ozone design value to 70 ppb or less by 2023, as required. Such a scenario would then bring the region into attainment and would be subject to two consecutive 10-year maintenance periods, following the drafting and approval of a maintenance plan. The maintenance periods would end around 2045.
The schedule for selecting the subcontractor is: Small Purchase order Release Date: Monday, May 23, 2016 Response Deadline: Monday, June 13, 2016
DISCUSSION: N/A
COURSES OF ACTION: N/A
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Agenda Item #9 A. Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Title: Air Quality Outreach and Education Update Presented by: Brenda Williams, Natural Resources Director, AACOG
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION: With the start of the ozone season, spring is typically a very busy time for AACOG’s air quality outreach and education staff. This item provides an update on two efforts currently underway: the Walk & Roll Challenge and the Ozone Action Public Input Survey Research Project.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY: Outreach and education are an integral part of any air quality program if lasting behavioral changes to reduce air pollution are to occur. Air quality outreach and education programs help individuals and organizations understand the impacts of poor air quality and how voluntary actions can help reduce air pollution and improve community health. The AIR Public Education Committee advises AACOG’s air quality staff regarding several such programs and projects, including interaction with the public at events, reaching out to employers and schools, partnering with organizations that have similar objectives, creating an air quality branding strategy and tools, leveraging educational opportunities through news and social media, and special projects such as the Walk & Roll Challenge and the Air Quality Stewardship Awards.
DISCUSSION: Progress Report: Walk and Roll Challenge AACOG’s Commute Solutions program is hosting its 10th annual Walk & Roll Challenge during May. This is a friendly competition among employers in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area to see whose employees can record (on NuRide.com) the greatest percentage of trips taken by biking, walking, busing, or carpooling or saved by telecommuting or working a compressed schedule. While individuals may join the challenge without being affiliated with a participating employer and may receive drawing prizes for doing so, 19 employers are officially participating in the challenge. These organizations will be honored at AACOG’s board of directors meeting on June 28, 2016, and winning organizations will be awarded. Progress Report: Public Input Survey – Earlier this spring, 10 research firms responded to AACOG’s request for proposals to conduct a scientific survey among residents of the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area to assess underlying assumptions about ozone reduction, support for selected ozone precursor reduction strategies, and willingness to take individual actions to help reduce ozone. With the assistance of the AIR Education Committee, the highest ranking of the 10 proposals was selected. A contract has been written and is in the final stages of approval. The TCEQ-funded survey is to be conducted by the selected firm during the summer, with a final report to be delivered during fall, 2016. With the assistance of the AIR Public Education Committee, the survey will be designed in such a way that it will serve as an educational tool and help community leaders select, support, and act upon particular strategies to reduce emissions.
COURSES OF ACTION: N/A
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Agenda Item # 9 B. Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Title: AIR Public Education Committee Update – Update on the Communication Plan Presented by: Brenda Williams, Director of Natural Resources, AACOG
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION: Informational item regarding development of a regional branding and communications strategy for air quality outreach.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY: In the fall of 2015, AACOG and City of San Antonio Sustainability staff worked closely with local government, business, industry, and environmental stakeholders from Bexar and surrounding counties to develop a regional air quality tagline and logo, with a planned launch date of August 2016. Two roundtable discussions were held to gather input on design and messaging that would be appropriate for use throughout the AACOG region. In addition, several committee members participated in conference calls with members of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (AQMD) in California, who were responsible for branding the successful “Spare the Air” campaign. The purpose of the calls with AQMD was to obtain greater insight on issues that should be considered during the design phase.
DISCUSSION: First conceived as a tagline and logo development activity, input of representatives from around the MSA expanded the scope of this project to include development of a comprehensive communications plan. The group recognized that the effectiveness of this branding effort relied on developing a broader marketing campaign to: properly identify and characterize the targeted audience, determine appropriate methods for reaching the audience, develop messages that will resonate with the audience and encourage behavioral change, and identify methods of measuring campaign success. These activities will require the services of a professional public relations firm at an approximate cost of $150,000.
Activities that have been completed to date, in addition to the information gathering roundtable meetings, include development of a draft fundraising plan and a draft scope of work for incorporation in the request for proposals.
COURSES OF ACTION: N/A
1
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Agenda Item # 10 A and B. Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Title: Consider and act upon membership recommendations for the AIR Advisory Committee Presented by: N/A
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION: Final approval for all AIR Advisory committee nominations must be made by vote of the AIR Executive Committee
BACKGROUND/HISTORY: The AIR Advisory Committee acts as liaison between the AIR Executive Committee and the greater citizen sectors, both public and private. AIR Advisory Committee membership invitations will be extended among the following groups and individuals, and others as determined by the AIR Executive Committee. Business representatives Chambers of Commerce Environmental groups Health organizations Education agencies Neighborhood organizations Transportation organizations Other elected officials Utilities Minority organizations Industry representatives
DISCUSSION: There are two Membership Recommendations for the AIR Advisory Committee A. Richard Perez, President and CEO - San Antonio Chamber of Commerce (alternate: Stephanie Reyes, Vice President of Public Affairs for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce)
B. Jesse Balleza – VIA Metropolitan Transit
COURSES OF ACTION: Approve, take alternate action, or take no action.
Attachments: (1) Letter for Richard Perez, President and CEO - San Antonio Chamber of Commerce (alternate: Stephanie Reyes, Vice President of Public Affairs for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce) (2) Letter for Jesse Balleza – VIA Metropolitan Transit
1
May 17, 2016
The Honorable Ron Nirenberg Chairman, Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Alamo Area Council of Governments 8700 Tesoro Drive, Ste. 700 San Antonio, Texas 78217
ATTN: Brenda Williams, Director, Natural Resources Department
Dear Chairman Nirenberg:
This letter is a formal request for you to consider Richard Perez, President and CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, as a nominee to the Air Improvement Resources (AIR) Advisory Committee. As an alternate in his stead, I request that Stephanie Reyes, Vice President of Public Affairs for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, be nominated with a position on the Advisory Committee.
The mission of your San Antonio Chamber of Commerce is to propel business success by being an advocate for our business community while also building and sustaining a diverse, prosperous economy. Currently, staff members of our Public Affairs Department are active within the Air Improvements Resources (AIR) Technical Committee.
Through years of service at the Chamber, Richard Perez has unmatched knowledge and relationships with our environmental experts and has significant relationships with business and political leaders in San Antonio who will be needed to help grow our city as stewards of air quality. Mr. Perez would be a resourceful member of the AIR Advisory Committee and would undoubtedly serve as a contributor to the Committee’s members.
Thank you for your consideration of the nominees as representatives for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Please feel free to contact Amy Schutz at [email protected], or 210-229-2128, for further information as needed.
Respectfully,
Renée Flores 2016 Chairman of the Board
Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Agenda Item # 11 Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Title: Clean Cities Report Presented by: Nicholas Jones, Alamo Area Clean Cities Coordinator, AACOG
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION: The AIR Executive Committee is asked to review the updates from the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY: AACOG, along with other councils of government, were asked to have a solar representative participate in a statewide solar peer exchange group to discuss best practices. Nicholas Jones, Alamo Area Clean Cities Coordinator, participated in the various meetings for this group. The group then scheduled solar training seminars across Texas, with the San Antonio training being on June 27th and 28th. A specific session on ‘Solar Best Practices for Local Governments’ is June 27th from 1PM-4PM.
As part of the redesignation process, Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition is connecting with stakeholders to confirm their commitments to the coalition. This commitment form is attached.
In addition, the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition, the Propane Council of Texas, and Texas State Representative Tony Dale are hosting a Propane Autogas Workshop on June 9th at 9AM at the City of San Antonio’s Northwest Tool Yard. All type of propane vehicles and lawn equipment will be on hand to demo and drive. There will also be presentations on the basics of propane autogas and a fleet conversion case study that will be reviewed.
DISCUSSION:
COURSES OF ACTION: N/A
Attachments Solar Training Flyer Partner Agreement Form
TRAINING LINEUP: JUNE 27 2016 Fire Inspector Training & Fire Code Compliance 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. SUMMER SOLAR PV Solar for Local TRAINING SERIES Governments 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
WHEN AND WHERE JUNE 28, 2016 Solar PV for Real Estate June 27 and 28, 2016 Professionals Alamo Area Council of Governments 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Al J. Notzon III Boardroom 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100 Financing Solar Energy San Antonio, Texas 78217 Systems 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. FEATURING · Solar for Local Governments · Financing Solar Energy Systems · Fire Inspector FREE TRAINING Training & Fire Code Compliance for Solar Energy AUDIENCE Systems ·Solar PV for Real Estate Professionals Elected officials, local government planning and REGISTER AND MORE INFORMATION AT: permit staff, code officials, GOSOLARTEXAS.ORG building officials, fire marshals, fire officials, Trainer Biography: Dan Lepinski, PSC is a leading expert in the solar school districts, real estate energy industry. Mr. Lepinski has over 40 years of experience designing professionals, financial and solar PV systems and equipment. He serves on the UL Standards lending institutions Technical Panel, the Solar Industry Task Force that interfaces with the National Fire Protection Association, and the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards. Mr. Lepinski has taught a variety of audiences and www.gosolartexas.org consulted on a variety of subjects and client projects pertaining to Solar PV. For more information CEU’s Pending from ICC and Texas Real Estate Commission contact Soria Adibi, [email protected] or 817.608.2363.
Partnership Agreement
The organization below wishes to express its commitment to, and support for, the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition’s efforts to promote the use of alternative fuels, advanced technology vehicles, and other Clean Cities strategies to reduce dependence on petroleum in the transportation sector. I/We support the Clean Cities goals of increased energy security and improved air quality.
______Company name
______Company Address
______City, State, ZIP
______Phone Web address
______Email
______Signature of Company Representative Date
______Name (PRINTED) Title
Please check any of the commitments you wish to make to support the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition.
My organization/business commits to incorporating the use of alternative fuels in our fleet to the extent feasible.
My organization/business commits to supporting the development of refueling, service and/or maintenance facilities for alternative fuel vehicles in the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition’s region.
My organization/business will assist the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition in achieving its goals of promoting alternative fuels and reducing emissions by supporting legislation encouraging the use of alternative fuels, advanced technology vehicles and other Clean Cities strategies.
My organization/business will assist the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition with increasing public awareness of the energy security and air quality benefits of alternative fuels, advanced technology vehicles and other Clean Cities strategies.
My organization/business will assist the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition by providing in-kind services, to the extent feasible.
My organization/business commits to implementing idle-reduction measures and technologies and/or other petroleum reducing technologies to the extent feasible, to reduce our fleet’s petroleum consumption and decrease emissions. pg. 1
Working Groups
I/We wish to serve on the following Alamo Area Clean Cities working group(s):
Advisory Board
South Central Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Consortium
Propane Vehicle
Electric Vehicle
Infrastructure
Funding and Project Development
Other:______
Information on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program can be found at: www.cleancities.energy.gov
The Alamo Area Clean Cities Program Plan can be found at: https://www.aacog.com/cleancities.
Coalition updates can be found at: https://www.aacog.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=14.
pg. 2 Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Agenda Item # 12 A. Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Title: Consider and act upon the Request to Increase Legislative Appropriations for TERP Presented by: Steven Smeltzer, Environmental Manager, AACOG
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION: The attached letter is to TCEQ requesting to include in their recommendations to the legislature for the 2017-2018 biennium changes to the TERP Grant program administration that will increase the number of eligible applicants.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY: TERP Biennial Report: TCEQ has a TERP biennial plan report due to the legislature on December 1, 2016, which will include TCEQ’s recommendations to improve the TERP grant program.
AACOG-CAPCOG Joint Meeting: TERP Grants were discussed at the joint meeting on April 29, 2016 as possible state legislative initiatives.
TERP Account: 1 The Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Account No. 5071 is a General Revenue– Dedicated account established by Senate Bill 5, Seventy-seventh Legislature, 2001. The same bill established the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) program. TERP is a grant program available in areas of the state that are in nonattainment or near nonattainment with federal Clean Air Act (CAA) standards. Grants are provided to eligible individuals, businesses, or government entities to reduce emissions from on-road vehicles, non-road commercial and industrial equipment, marine vessels, locomotives, and stationary engines. Revenues include the following fees: Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Fee, Certificate of Title Fee, Commercial Motor Vehicle Registration and Inspection Fees, and Diesel Equipment Surcharge. TERP Account revenues that are not appropriated remain in the account balance and can be used for certification of the General Appropriations Act. Based on information provided by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, it is estimated that $1.25 billion in balances in the TERP Account will be available to count towards certification in the 2016-17 biennium. For the 2014-15 biennium, the Comptroller used $992.6 million in balances in the TERP Account towards certification. The use of the TERP Account funding is prescribed in Health and Safety Code, Section 386.252 (Figure 1).
1 State of Texas Legislative Budget Board. (September 2015). “Sources and Uses of the Clean Air Account and Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Account.” p. 12, 13, 16, 17, 18. Available: http://tti.tamu.edu/policy/wp- content/uploads/2015/09/LBB_Clean-Air-Account-and-Texas-Emissions-Reduction-Plan_2015-update_Fin....pdf.
1
Figure 1: TCEQ Annual Allocation of TERP Funding2
DISCUSSION: There is opportunity for our region to further improve voluntary emissions controls through changes in the TERP grant program. They are recommended as follows:
Appropriate maximum funding. Expand the list of eligible counties Revise calculations to maximize non-road equipment annual usage in eligible counties Pay up to 100% of incremental cost Permit grantees to sell replaced vehicles or equipment to other countries Increase the eligible grant request amount from $15,000 to $20,000 per ton reduced Reduce the activity life from 5 years (or 400,000 miles) to 3 years (or 200,000 miles) Administer grants consistently Prioritize grant recipients in favor of those who contribute to TERP Account revenues Increase funding available for stationary source improvements
COURSES OF ACTION: Approve, take alternate action, or take no action.
Attachments (1) Letter to TCEQ: For Consideration in the Biennial Plan Report to the Legislature: Recommendations for the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) Grant Program (2) Additional Detail for the Request to Increase Legislative Appropriations for TERP
2 Ibid.
2
(3) Additional Detail for Resolution in Support of Expanding the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) Program for Emissions Reductions from Point Source Facilities
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Air Improvement Resources Committee 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 160, San Antonio, Texas 78217 p: (210) 362-5200 f: (210) 225-5937
Hon. Ron Nirenberg May 25, 2016 Chair, AIR Executive Committee City of San Antonio, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Councilman P.O. Box 13087 Austin, TX 78711-3087 Hon. Chris Riley Vice-Chair, AIR Executive Committee Subj: Request to Increase Legislative Appropriations for TERP and for Consideration in Alamo Area MPO, the Biennial Plan Report to the Legislature: Recommendations for the Texas Emissions City of Leon Valley, Reduction Plan (TERP) Grant Program Mayor Office of Air: Hon. Richard L. Jackson Wilson County, Judge We, the Air Improvement Resources (AIR) Executive Committee, are responsible for the development and implementation of a voluntary ozone control plan in the eight-county Hon. Sherman Krause San Antonio-New Braunfels Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). We are writing this Comal County, Judge letter to request that TCEQ consider our recommendations to improve the TERP grant in their biennial plan report due to the legislature December 1, 2016 as required under Hon. Nelson Wolff Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), Section 386.057. Bexar County, Judge The biennial plan report must “recommend any further needed changes or adjustments Hon. Robert L. Hurley to the grant programs, including changes in grant award criteria, administrative Atascosa County, procedures, or statutory provisions that would enhance the plan’s effectiveness and Judge efficiency” and “include legislative recommendations necessary to improve the effectiveness of the plan” (THSC, Section 386.057(d)). Because they would result in a Hon. John H. Williams Greater Bexar County more effective grant program, the AIR Executive Committee feels the following Council of Cities, recommended changes are appropriate considerations for the biennial plan report to the Universal City, legislature. Mayor Appropriate maximum funding. We propose that the TERP Account revenues be Hon. Mike Fincke AACOG Board of Directors, appropriated to the TERP programs to the maximum extent possible in order to more Kendall County, effectively administer the TERP programs, as in the recommendations that follow. Commissioner Expand the list of eligible counties. We propose to expand the list of “affected Hon. Darrel L. Lux Kendall County, counties” to also include those that are “affected” because they are adjacent to or Judge upwind of nonattainment or near-nonattainment counties.
Hon. Jim Wolverton Revise calculations to maximize non-road equipment annual usage in eligible Guadalupe County counties. We propose that TCEQ revise annual usage requirements to increase the Commissioner flexibility in the amount of time required by the applicants to use non-road equipment in Hon. Wayne Peters eligible counties. City of New Braunfels, Councilman Pay up to 100% of incremental cost. For the replacement of vehicles and equipment, we propose that the incremental cost eligible for reimbursement increase from 80 percent to 100 percent.
Permit grantees to sell replaced vehicles or equipment to other countries. We propose that grantees be allowed to recoup salvage values by selling vehicles or equipment replaced under the grant programs to other countries in order to provide additional incentive by offsetting a portion of the cost to replace vehicles with newer cleaner engines.
Increase the eligible grant request amount from $15,000 to $20,000 per ton reduced. For on-road, non-road, and stationary projects, we propose that the eligible grant amount increase from $15,000 to $20,000 per ton reduced.
Reduce the activity life from 5 years (or 400,000 miles) to 3 years (or 200,000 miles). We propose to reduce the amount of time equipment must be used in the eligible counties, from a minimum of 5 years to a minimum of 3 years.
Administer grants consistently. We propose that funding for all TERP grants be consistently administered from year to year for such grants as the Drayage Truck Incentive Program (DTIP), Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants (ERIG), New Technology Implementation Grant (NTIG), Program, Texas Clean Fleet Program (TCFP), Texas Clean School Bus Program, and Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program (TNGVGP).
Prioritize grant recipients in favor of those who contribute to TERP Account revenues. We propose grant recipients are contributors to the TERP Account.
Increase funding available for stationary source improvements. We propose to increase the funding for the New Technology Implementation Grant (NTIG) Program, so that more large industrial facilities may apply for the grant.
Signed,
Councilman Ron Nirenberg, City of San Mayor Chris Riley, City of Leon Valley Antonio, Chair, AIR Executive Committee Vice-Chair, AIR Executive Committee
Additional Detail for the Request to Increase Legislative Appropriations for TERP
Local Point Source Contribution to Ozone
The projected contribution of high ozone days in the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA is listed in Table 1 by emission source type and in Table 2 by region. Local point sources contributed 12 percent of the peak 1-hour ozone at the highest local regulatory ozone monitor.
The analysis was conducted in a photochemical modeling episode provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that simulates an actual high ozone episode which prevailed in the eastern half of the State over the course of several weeks. The photochemical modeling episode is based on the time period between May 24, 2006 and July 2, 2006, and was made available to AACOG and other nonattainment and near-nonattainment areas for regional- level analyses. The June 2006 model was projected to 2012 and 2018 using forecasted changes in anthropogenic emissions.1
The results were calculated using ENVIRON’s ozone source attribution approach that has become known as the Anthropogenic Precursor Culpability Assessment, or APCA. APCA “provides a method for estimating the contributions of multiple source areas, categories, and pollutant types to ozone formation in a single model run.”2 “The ozone reaction tracers allow ozone formation from multiple ‘source groupings’ to be tracked simultaneously within a single simulation. A source grouping can be defined in terms of geographical area and/or emission category.” Boundary conditions are the conditions beyond the 36-km domain. These emissions represent all NOX, VOC, and Ozone that enter the 36-km modeling domain.
Table 1: APCA Results for C58 Ozone Monitor by All Emissions Source Types for Peak One- Hour Ozone on Days Greater than 70 ppb, 2018 Source Ozone (ppb) Percentage of Total Ozone Initial Conditions 0.34 0% BC/International 19.57 28% Biogenics 1.48 2% Area 4.71 7% Oil and Gas Development 0.90 1% Non-road/Off-road 8.07 12% On-Road 12.17 17% Local Point Sources 8.35 12% Other Point Sources 14.05 20% Total 69.64 100%
1 AACOG. October 2015. “Ozone Analysis June 2006 Photochemical Modeling Episode.” San Antonio, Texas. Available online: http://www.aacog.com/DocumentCenter/View/34698. Accessed 04/14/2016 2 ENVIRON International Corporation. April 2014. “User’s Guide COMPREHENSIVE AIR QUALITY MODEL WITH EXTENSIONS Version 6.1.” p. 144. Novato, California. Available online: http://www.camx.com/files/camxusersguide_v6-10.pdf. Accessed 08/10/15. 1
Table 2: APCA Results for C58 Ozone Monitor by Region for Peak One-Hour Ozone on Days Greater than 70 ppb, 2018 Source Ozone (ppb) Percentage of Total Ozone Initial Conditions 0.3 0% Boundary 19.6 28% Mexico/Canada 0.4 1% Other States/Offshore 10.4 15% Other Texas Counties 6.5 9% San Antonio 22.5 32% Austin 4.7 7% Waco/Temple 1.0 1% Dallas 1.0 1% Houston 3.0 4% Total 69.6 100%
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Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Agenda Item # 12 B. Meeting Date: 05/25/2016 Title: Consider and act upon a resolution encouraging the State Legislature to continue support for near nonattainment funding for the San Antonio region Presented by: Steven Smeltzer, Environmental Manager, AACOG
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION: The attached resolution is written to show support to continue funding regional air quality activities in the San Antonio Area even if the area goes into nonattainment.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY: “The program originated with a $500,000 rider appropriation from the 74th Texas Legislature in 1995 to support local air quality planning efforts in Austin, San Antonio, Northeast Texas, and Corpus Christi toward attaining the Federal Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). A fifth area, Victoria, was added in 1998.”1 Appropriations for AACOG for the 2016-17 biennium were $1,464,153.2 Rider 7 from House Bill 1, 84th Texas Legislature 2015 is provided:
“Appropriation: Air Quality Planning. Amounts appropriated above include $5,000,500 for the biennium out of the Clean Air Account No. 151 in Strategy A.1.1, Air Quality Assessment and Planning, for air quality planning activities to reduce ozone in areas not designated as nonattainment areas during the 2014-15 biennium and as approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). These areas may include Waco, El Paso, Beaumont, Austin, Corpus Christi, Granbury, Longview-Tyler-Marshall, San Antonio, and Victoria. These activities may be carried out through interlocal agreements or contracts and may include: identifying, inventorying, and monitoring of pollution levels; modeling pollution levels; and the identification, quantification, implementation of appropriate locally enforceable pollution reduction controls; and the submission of work plans to be submitted to the TCEQ. The TCEQ shall allocate these funds in such a way as to channel the funds to those projects most useful for the State Implementation Plan (SIP).”3
DISCUSSION: If the San Antonio Area goes into nonattainment, there is a chance it will not qualify for Rider 7 funding.
COURSES OF ACTION: Approve, take alternate action, or take no action.
Attachments: (1) Resolution Encouraging the State Legislature to Continue Support for Air Quality Funding for the San Antonio Area
1 TCEQ. (March 28, 2016). “Rider 7 (formerly Rider 8) State and Local Air Quality Planning Program: Background and History.” Available: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/airmod/rider8/rider8-background. 2 TCEQ. (June 5, 2015). Rider 7 Appropriations Letter from David Brymer, TCEQ Air Quality Division, to Ms. Diane Rath, AACOG Executive Director. 3 State of Texas. (2015). “Special Printing to H.B. 1: House Engrossment, Eighty-fourth Legislature, 2016-2017 Biennium.” Available: http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/Documents/Budget/Session_Code_84/House_Full_Bill_1.pdf.
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Air Improvement Resources Committee 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 160, San Antonio, Texas 78217 p: (210) 362-5200 f: (210) 225-5937
Hon. Ron Nirenberg Chair, Resolution Encouraging the State Legislature to Continue Support for Air AIR Executive Committee City of San Antonio, Quality Funding for the San Antonio Area Councilman
Hon. Chris Riley WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has appropriated funding since 1995 from the Vice-Chair, AIR Executive Committee Clean Air Account No. 151 Strategy A.1.1, Air Quality Assessment and Alamo Area MPO, Planning, to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) City of Leon Valley, for air quality planning activities that may be carried out through Mayor interlocal agreements, such as councils of governments, to reduce ozone; Hon. Richard L. Jackson Wilson County, Judge WHEREAS, a portion of the funding, which is known as the Rider 7 (formerly Rider 8, 26, 17, and 13) Local Air Quality Planning Grants, has historically Hon. Sherman Krause been allocated to the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) in Comal County, Judge the San Antonio Area from the TCEQ for the purpose of identifying, inventorying, and monitoring pollution levels and identifying and Hon. Nelson Wolff quantifying appropriate locally enforceable pollution reduction controls; Bexar County, Judge WHEREAS, the Air Improvement Resources (AIR) Committee, the air quality
Hon. Robert L. Hurley planning body for the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metropolitan Atascosa County, Statistical Area, promotes emission reduction measures to improve Judge local air quality and improve health, while ensuring sustainable economic growth; Hon. John H. Williams Greater Bexar County Council of Cities, WHEREAS, AACOG has performed air quality monitoring, air quality modeling, Universal City, emissions estimates, air quality planning and educational outreach that Mayor have been instrumental in completing the AIR Committee’s mission to develop a comprehensive emissions reduction plan that guides the Hon. Mike Fincke AACOG Board of Directors, region to reaching attainment; Kendall County, Commissioner WHEREAS, the San Antonio Area is likely to change its status from “near nonattainment” to nonattainment in the near future because the design Hon. Darrel L. Lux value for the period 2014 – 2016 at the highest regulatory monitor in the Kendall County, Judge area (data which is likely to be used for the Environmental Protection Agency’s ozone designations in 2017) is above the current 70 ppb Hon. Jim Wolverton National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone; Guadalupe County Commissioner WHEREAS, air quality is a regional issue;
Hon. Wayne Peters City of New Braunfels, WHEREAS, the Texas legislature should ensure adequate funding to meet all Councilman regional air quality goals;
NOW, THEREFORE the AIR Executive Committee hereby requests the 85th Texas Legislature to maintain the Rider 7 Local Air Quality Planning Grants appropriations for the San Antonio Area during the 2018-2019 biennium to support the region in meeting its air quality goals, including attainment of the 2015 ozone NAAQS.
PASSED and APPROVED this twenty-fifth day of May 2016.
Signed,
Councilman Ron Nirenberg, City of San Mayor Chris Riley, City of Leon Valley Antonio, Chair, AIR Executive Committee Vice-Chair, AIR Executive Committee