Res 2002-037 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1.0 Executive Summary Local governments, community and business leaders, environmental groups, and concerned citizens in the Austin/San Marcos Metropolitan Statistical Area (AlSM MSA) want to implement programs to improve regional air quality. These groups want to take action now to assure continued attainment of the federal I-hour standard for ground-level ozone. The 03 Flex Agreement is the appropriate mechanism for achieving these goals and provides the flexibility to allow individual communities to pursue emission reduction strategies most appropriate to their circumstances. Therefore, local government signatories request that the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EP A) and the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) agree to the terms set forth in this 03 Flex Agreement and Memorandum of Agreement. 1.1 The 03 Flex Agreement EPA issued 03 Flex Guidelines on June 21, 2001. The 03 Flex Agreement is a voluntary local approach to encourage emission reductions that will keep an area in attainment of the I-hour ozone standard, while also working toward the health benefits envisioned under the 8-hour ozone standard. 03 Flex is implemented through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between EP A, the state environmental agency and local governments. By developing, signing, and maintaining the MOA, the local area will not be designated nonattainment for the I-hour ozone standard for the term of the agreement, as long as the control measures are being implemented. EP A also plans to provide options for the 8-hour ozone standard, to the extent possible under provisions ofthe Clean Air Act, that recognize the efforts of areas that voluntarily achieve near-term emission reductions via the 03 Flex Agreement. A major advantage of the region's participation in an 03 Flex Agreement is the flexibility afforded to the signatories in selecting emission reduction measures and programs which are best suited to local needs and circumstances. Recognizing the varied social and economic characteristics of Central Texas, not all measures can or should be implemented by every entity. Also, given constraints imposed by annual budget cycles, not all entities will be able to implement measures before the 2002 ozone season. Each of the signatory parties has reviewed the menu of programs described in Section 3.0 (Action Plan) and committed to implementing those strategies which are most appropriate and suitable given their individual capabilities and resources. A summary of selected programs and commitments is provided in Section 3.7. It is the understanding of the signatories of the 03 Flex Agreement that EP A is committed to doing all it can do within its authority to provide SIP credit for near-term, discretionary emission reduction measures to participants in the 03 Flex Agreement. In Central Texas,