Welcome

Welcome to the CLEAN AIR Force Early Action Compact Public Involvement website. You will find useful information about local air quality issues, how the region is addressing these issues, and how Central Texans can get involved.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a form of oxygen with three atoms, instead of the usual two atoms. It is a photochemical oxidant and, at ground level, is the main component of smog. Ozone is not emitted directly into the air but is formed through chemical reactions between natural and man-made emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight.

Ground-level ozone is the most prevalent air pollutant in Texas and the nation. It is mainly a daytime problem during summer months because warm temperatures play a role in its formation. When temperatures are high, sunshine is strong, and winds are weak, ozone can accumulate to unhealthful levels.

Sources of these pollutants include automobiles, gas-powered motors, refineries, chemical manufacturing plants, solvents used in dry cleaners and paint shops, and wherever natural gas, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and oil are combusted.

More info on ozone...

What is the Early Action Compact?

The Early Action Compact (EAC) is an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to develop and implement a regional air quality plan - the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) - within a specified schedule. The CAAP, due in March 2004, will ensure that Central Texas is in compliance with the federal 8-hour ozone standard by 2007, and through 2012. Local governments in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties are signatories to the EAC Agreement. The EAC was signed by elected officials in December 2002. As long as the milestones specified in the EAC Agreement are met, EPA will defer the effective date of a nonattainment designation for the region.

See a map of the five counties that signed the EAC.
E-mail comments may be sent to CAAP comments.

Why is the EAC Important?

The EAC gives Central Texans a voice in addressing these air quality issues. From a series of public input opportunities over the next several months, a list of emission reduction strategies will be developed and submitted to EPA in June 2003. These emission reduction strategies could affect many aspects of community life within Central Texas, as well as have a significant impact on area businesses. Residential, business and industry stakeholders are strongly encouraged to participate in the public involvement process.

How can Central Texans get Involved?

There are a number of ways to join the EAC public involvement initiative, including taking the brief survey on this website (and those posted in the future). We also have a telephone hotline and response cards where people can provide comments. Other opportunities include attending public meetings, joining a work group, and having a speaker come to your next community association meeting. Throughout this EAC public involvement process, it's critical to hear from as many people as possible so that we can develop emission reduction strategies that are feasible for all of our communities, including industries and businesses.

What is the next step?

Join our stakeholder mailing list to keep up to date on meetings and other events happening in the Central Texas region. Fill out a response card and share your ideas for solutions. Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about the EAC and why it's important for everyone to be part of this initiative. Get involved, stay involved, and be part of the solution!

Who is the CLEAN AIR Force?

The CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas (CAF), a non-profit organization, is a coalition of business, government, environmental and community leaders unified in the desire for cleaner air and a better quality of life for all Central Texans. The CAF's mission "to coordinate and conduct air quality planning and education activities in Central Texas focused on motivating the citizens of this region to take actions to reduce air pollution and maintain healthy air; and to advise responsible government entities on air quality issues."

More info on the CLEAN AIR Force...