AIR QUALITY IN NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS

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1 AIR QUALITY IN NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1999 (CAAA) created nonattainment areas for criteria pollutants and established mechanisms for these areas to achieve compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Portions of North Central Texas have been designated as nonattainment for the pollutant ozone since the 1990 CAAA enactment. The counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant comprised the original nonattainment area under the 1-Hour, or peak, Ozone Standard. However, in July 2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) replaced the 1-Hour Ozone Standard with the more stringent 8-Hour, or prolonged, Ozone Standard. Under the 8-Hour Ozone Standard, nine counties in the North Central Texas region have been designated as a moderate nonattainment area, including the counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant. Mobility Amendment is written in consideration of North Central Texas air quality goals and in consideration of the requirement to attain the 8-Hour Ozone Standard by June 15, STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN The CAAA requires states with areas that fail to meet the NAAQS prescribed for criteria pollutants to develop a State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP, developed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), describes how the state will reduce and maintain air pollution emissions in order to comply with the federal standards. In 1999, the North Texas Clean Air Steering Committee, comprised of elected officials, business leaders, and environmental and community stakeholders, was established to guide the development of control strategies that are recommended to the EPA for inclusion in the SIP. MOBILE SOURCE EMISSION REDUCTION MEASURES Mobile Source Emission Reduction Measures are locally-implemented projects, programs, and policies funded by the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) to achieve on-road mobile source emission reductions. Mobile Source Emission Reduction Measures include Transportation Control Measures and Voluntary Mobile Emission Reduction Programs and are identified in the applicable SIP. Examples include transit, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, intersection improvements, grade separations, bicycle/pedestrian facilities, vanpools, and park-and-ride lots. Detailed information on these air quality commitments can be referenced in Chapter 22, Air Quality Conformity. North Central Texas Council of Governments 87

2 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL AIR QUALITY PROGRAM In addition to requirements outlined in the SIP, the RTC has adopted an aggressive mobile emission reduction program to improve air quality in North Central Texas. The RTC Air Quality Program consists of a number of locally-implemented projects, programs, and policies designed to focus on the major contributing factors to mobile source emissions. The factors include high-emitting vehicles, vehicle cold starts, hard accelerations, excessive vehicle idling, high and low speeds, diesel engines, and vehicle miles traveled. In this document, RTC Air Quality Program activities are categorized by the primary contributing factor addressed. Projects, programs, and policies listed and described are representative and are not to be considered all-inclusive. Additional activities that may fall into these categories are continuously under investigation. High-Emitting Vehicles A high-emitting vehicle is defined as a vehicle that is not compliant with federal exhaust emission standards. AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine Program: The state-initiated AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine Program (ACT), also known as the Low Income Repair, Retrofit, and Replacement Assistance Program, aids qualifying individuals in repairing or replacing vehicles that do not pass emissions testing. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) actively implements and oversees ACT activities in North Central Texas. Enhanced AirCheckTexas Program: By partnering with interested parties, such as aftermarket automotive part suppliers and automobile manufacturers, NCTCOG plans to reach a larger audience than those eligible for AirCheckTexas assistance through incentives (i.e., coupons, rebates) for repair and replacement of high-emitting vehicles. Regional Emissions Enforcement Program: Through a coordination effort with nonattainment counties, the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and various local impound lots, NCTCOG identifies high-emitting vehicles on the roadways due to fictitious or counterfeit state inspection and/or registration stickers. Local law enforcement officials collaborate with the DPS to conduct undercover investigations of state vehicle emissions inspections stations to reduce the number of improper inspections performed. Local Government/Non-Profit Organization Partnership: NCTCOG is seeking opportunities to partner with local governments and non-profit organizations to ensure high-emitting vehicles are not returned to the road and reused in an as is condition. This effort would seek to assist these agencies in testing donated or impounded vehicles for compliance with vehicle emissions standards. Regional Smoking Vehicle Program: The Regional Smoking Vehicle Program is designed to provide citizens the ability to report smoking vehicles, including diesel vehicles, via telephone or the Internet. A North Central Texas Council of Governments 88

3 letter is mailed to the registered vehicle owner to inform them their vehicle was reported smoking. Additional solutions/options, including ACT Program information, will be provided to reported vehicle owners. Remote Sensing/Smart Signs: The state s Remote Sensing Program was designed prior to implementation of the ACT Program and has outgrown the original scope set forth. To reflect existing program needs and goals, an Enhanced Remote Sensing Program will augment and modernize the state s existing Remote Sensing Program by developing and implementing various elements utilizing the latest remote sensing technology. Possible elements include testing high-emitting gasoline and diesel vehicles, identifying smoking vehicles through an opacity test, and implementing smart signs with remote sensing units. Cold Starts Vehicles release a greater amount of pollutant emissions during the first few minutes after ignition because the engine has not yet reached optimal operating temperature. Frequent trips and trips of short duration increase the magnitude of this problem. Sustainable Development Initiative: This existing initiative promotes transportation and land use interfacing to develop communities that are not dependent on vehicle travel. For further discussion of sustainable development planning, refer to Chapter 4, Sustainable Development. Hard Accelerations Operating a vehicle under conditions that require greater engine power such as hard accelerations, or jackrabbit accelerations, results in increased fuel consumption and an increased pollutant emission rate. Excessive Idling Vehicle idling increases pollutant emissions through additional fuel combustion and through incomplete fuel combustion that occurs while the engine is not operating at an optimum temperature. Diesel Idle Reduction Program: This project is intended to fund diesel idling reduction projects, which may include, but are not limited to, planning and establishing site-specific electrification strategies, anti-idling policies, and identifying available capital and technological solutions. Locally-Enforced Idling Restrictions: Originally established in December 2004 by the TCEQ, the locallyenforced idling restriction rule places idling limits on motor vehicles in any locality that signs a Memorandum of Agreement with the TCEQ. The rule prohibits any person in the affected locality from permitting the primary propulsion engine of a heavy-duty motor vehicle to idle for more than five consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion. This rule is effective during the typical Ozone Season from April 1 through October 31. North Central Texas Council of Governments 89

4 SmartWay Upgrade Kit Demonstration Program: NCTCOG will evaluate the effectiveness of fuelsaving, emissions reduction, and idle reduction technologies when incorporated as a unit on a long-haul truck, which may help these technologies become more mainstream in the freight industry. High Speeds Greater engine load resulting from driving at higher speeds increases fuel consumption and pollutant emission rates. Truck Lane Restriction Program: This program is put in place to restrict trucks to designated lanes in order to improve operation efficiency and highway safety. This program has been shown to effectively control trucks from using the left lane and slightly reduce truck speeds. Consequently, emissions produced by trucks also decreases. It is anticipated this will be implemented region-wide. Low Speeds Vehicles operating at lower speeds release more pollutant emissions. Congestion on the region s freeways decreases vehicle speeds and prolongs the operating time of a vehicle per trip. Recurring congestion is due to high usage combined with lower available capacity, while non-recurring congestion is due to incidents, accidents, and construction zones. Bottleneck Improvements: This program will eliminate sites of extreme congestion on the region s freeway and arterial transportation system through construction and/or management. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Intra-Regional Through-Routing: Real-time routing of freight trucks to avoid areas of congestion in the region caused by traffic accidents and construction will reduce the impact of diesel emissions in the region. For further discussion of NAFTA intra-regional throughrouting, refer to Chapter 8, Goods Movement. Freeway Incident Management Training: The training of local governments and public agencies on the principles of freeway incident management from NCTCOG-developed material. For further discussion of freeway incident management training, refer to Chapter 12, Intelligent Transportation Systems. Expanded Thoroughfare Assessment Program: This assessment program is designed to evaluate and upgrade traffic signal corridors throughout the region, as well as identify and make traffic flow improvements at select locations. Intelligent Transportation Systems: Intelligent Transportation Systems aid transportation operators and emergency response personnel as they monitor traffic, detect, and respond to incidents, and inform the public of traffic conditions via the Internet, roadway devices, and the media. North Central Texas Council of Governments 90

5 Diesel Engine Emissions Different types of vehicle engines affect regional air quality at different levels. However, cleaner alternatives to traditional technology, management, and infrastructure often exist to reduce ozone precursor emissions. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities: The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Clean Cities Technical Coalition is the DFW Metroplex chapter of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Clean Cities Program. In 1995, the DFW Clean Cities became one of the first Clean Cities under the Energy Policy Act's provision for an organization that promotes activities to improve air quality and lessen America's dependence on foreign sources of petroleum. Clean Fleet Vehicle Policy: NCTCOG will continue to work with public entities to adopt the RTC Clean Fleet Vehicle Model Ordinance/Resolution. The ordinance/resolution helps entities lessen their impact on air quality when purchasing, operating, and maintaining their fleet vehicles. Clean Fleet Vehicle Program: As available, funding for clean vehicles is open to public entity fleets that have adopted the Clean Fleet Vehicle Policy Model Ordinance/Resolution. Eligible projects include new purchases, replacements, retrofits, repowers, and conversions of heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles. Clean School Bus Program: This program provides outreach, marketing, informational events, and meetings for parties managing regional school bus fleets. Additionally, NCTCOG anticipates a funding program to retrofit, repower, convert, or replace school buses and to pilot a limited idling or no-idling program at local school districts for parents, teachers, school bus drivers, and delivery drivers. Public Agency Policy for Construction Equipment: Local jurisdictions are able to affect construction equipment emissions by offering incentives, preferences, or requirements in their contracting process for construction projects. NCTCOG, with local government and private stakeholder participation, will develop a public agency policy for construction equipment that addresses acquisition, maintenance, operation, and verification. Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) Partnership: TCEQ partnered with NCTCOG to implement a portion of TERP grant funds in North Central Texas through Calls for Projects. The TERP Program provides funding for clean diesel projects including new vehicle purchase, vehicle replacement, engine repower, engine retrofit, idle reduction, and infrastructure projects. SmartWay Transport Partnership Program: NCTCOG will develop a local SmartWay Transport Partnership Program and/or demonstration project to evaluate and promote fuel-saving strategies for diesel vehicles. Other items of interest in the SmartWay Program include truck and locomotive idling. North Central Texas Council of Governments 91

6 Vehicle Miles Traveled In addition to reducing the pollution per mile traveled through technological advancements, reducing the actual number of vehicle miles traveled can also result in a decrease in mobile source emissions. This is especially important in a metropolitan area with a large, growing population. Air Quality Public Relations Program: The NCTCOG Air Quality Public Relations Program encourages public participation in key elements of the SIP as well as other air quality initiatives. NCTCOG, with help of regional partners, created Air North Texas, a campaign for clean air involving individuals and organizations. Through public education, Air North Texas motivates the community to make changes in their everyday behavior to help improve air quality. This commitment to making simple, clean air choice preserves and improves the quality of life in North Texas. Strategies include branding of regional air quality marketing, paid advertising, public service announcements, media relations, and special events. Additionally, NCTCOG works with the North Texas Clean Air Coalition to educate, engage, and recognize the business community for their efforts to improve air quality. Employer Trip Reduction: This voluntary program is aimed at employers with 100 or more employees and is designed to reduce employee commute vehicle trips through implementation of rideshare programs, telecommuting, flexible work hour programs, and similar strategies. For further discussion of employer trip reduction, refer to Chapter 10, Travel Demand Management. Expanded Mobile Source Emission Reduction Measures: NCTCOG strives to implement Mobile Source Emission Reduction Measures in addition to those required in the SIP. Examples include transit, HOV lanes, intersection improvements, vanpools, bicycle/pedestrian projects, grade separations, and park-andride lots. Parking Cash-Out Pilot Program: NCTCOG will work with employers in the DFW Central Business Districts who have been providing free or subsidized parking to their employees to instead offer a cash allowance to employees who find alternative means to commute (transit, vanpool, carpool, etc.) to the worksite. The feasibility study will identify the appropriate methods and/or information to assist employers in offering such incentives to their employees and will focus on employers with more than 100 employees. Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance Pilot Program: Pay-As-You-Drive (PAYD) pricing converts insurance to a variable cost with respect to vehicle travel, so premiums are directly related to annual mileage. PAYD pricing makes vehicle insurance more actuarially accurate (premiums better reflect the claim costs of each vehicle and gives motorists a new opportunity to save money when they reduce their mileage). Air North Texas Lunch Bag Program: This project strives to reduce motor vehicle emission associated with lunchtime travel as well as increase air quality awareness. Individuals willing to participate will be asked to sign a pledge card, pledging to eat lunch at work, take transit and/or walk to lunch instead of North Central Texas Council of Governments 92

7 driving to another location. In turn, they will be provided with an insulated lunch bag bearing the program s logo as well as be sent air pollution watch and warning s. The program is designed to positively impact driving behaviors at lunchtime all year. Ozone Season Transit Education Initiative: This program provides additional education to increase mass transit ridership during the ozone season, and is part of the Enhanced Employer Trip Reduction Program. Regulated Fleet Clean Vehicle Program: NCTCOG is working with regional airports, the City of Dallas, the City of Fort Worth, and others who regulate fleets such as taxicabs, shuttle buses, limos, and hotel courtesy shuttles, as well as TCEQ on development of a regulated clean fleet vehicle incentive program. These companies, fleets, or drivers may adopt a policy or sign a pledge to incorporate practices such as limiting idling, increasing frequency of emissions inspections, performing regular maintenance, and would potentially be given the option to purchase newer and/or cleaner technology vehicles than those currently in use. CONCLUSION As shown in Exhibit 7-1, the Regional Air Quality Program is comprised of numerous programs, projects, and policies that the RTC continues to aggressively investigate and implement to improve air quality in the North Central Texas region. The RTC and NCTCOG work in cooperation with federal, state, and local partners to meet and exceed all air quality requirements while continually contributing to a better quality of life for all North Texans. Exhibit 7-1. TIP Reference Table Regional Air Quality Program Reference AQ1000 AQ2000 AQ3000 AQ4000 AQ5000 AQ6000 AQ7000 AQ8000 Description of Projects, Programs, and Policies Implement projects, programs, and policies to reduce emissions from high-emitting vehicles in North Central Texas. Implement projects, programs, and policies to reduce emissions resulting from vehicle cold starts. Implement projects, programs, and policies to reduce emissions resulting from hard accelerations. Implement projects, programs, and policies to reduce unnecessary vehicle idling. Implement projects, programs, and policies to reduce unnecessary high speeds that are significantly above the posted speed limit. Implement projects, programs, and policies to reduce low speeds caused by congestion and vehicle incidents restricting traffic flow on roadways. Implement projects, programs, and policies to reduce the impact of diesel engine emissions on regional air quality. Implement projects, programs, and policies to reduce vehicle miles traveled within North Central Texas. North Central Texas Council of Governments 93

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