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The Austin/San Marcos MSA Response The region is volunteering to participate in the EAC Protocol process to expedite air cleanup for future public health and welfare. The Austin/San Marcos MSA Response has two components: 1. The Early Action Compact (EAC) - The EAC is a Memorandum of Agreement to prepare and implement the Clean Air Action Plan. More specifically, the EAC sets measurable, enforceable milestones for developing and implementing the Clean Air Action Plan. 2. The Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) - The CAAP serves as the region's official air quality improvement plan, with quantified emission-reduction measures. The CAAP will include all necessary elements of a comprehensive air quality plan, (like the plans in Dallas or Houston), but will be tailored to local needs and driven by local decisions. Moreover, the CAAP will be incorporated into the formal SIP and the region will be legally required to carry out this plan just as in nonattainment areas. For example, development of the CAAP will require the same scientific diligence and undergo the same scrutiny as the nonattainment areas' SIPs, so that the emission reduction strategies selected will be adequate to ensure the region stays in attainment of the 8-hour standard. EAC Protocol Versus Traditional Nonattainment A major advantage of the region's participation in the EAC Protocol is the flexibility afforded to the signatories in selecting emission reduction measures and programs that are best suited to local needs and circumstances. Recognizing the varied socioeconomic and emissions characteristics within the region, not all measures can or should be implemented by every entity. The primary differences between the process outlined in the EAC Protocol and the traditional nonattainment area process are: · EAC Protocol is designed to achieve clean air sooner than expected under the traditional nonattainment process 1. · EAC Protocol allows for more local control in selecting emission-reduction measures. · EAC Protocol ensures deferral of the effective date of nonattainment designation and related requirements, as long as EAC terms and milestones are met. This would alleviate any stigma associated with a nonattainment designation. Should any milestones be missed in designing or implementing the CAAP, the region would automatically revert to the traditional nonattainment requirements, with appropriate credit given for emission reduction strategies already implemented. 1 Under the traditional nonattainment process, emissions reduction strategies are unlikely to be implemented before 2007. Under the EAC Protocol, emissions reduction strategies will be fully implemented by 2005. III