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EAC Protocol Versus 03 Flex The EAC Protocol specifically addresses the 8-hour standard and will build on the emission reduction strategies outlined in the 03 Flex Agreement. However, the strategies needed to attain the 8-hour standard likely will affect more people than those outlined in the 03 Flex Agreement, since the 8-hour standard is generally more difficult to achieve. EAC Protocol Timeline The Austin/San Marcos MSA EAC is designed to enable a local, proactive approach to ensuring attainment of the 8-hour ozone NAAOS, and so protect human health. Using the EAC Protocol, the region could implement emission reduction measures by 2005 that are directed at attaining the 8-hour standard by 2007. This allows for a significantly earlier start than waiting for formal EPA nonattainment designation and it gives the local area more flexibility in choosing which emission reduction strategies to implement in order to achieve attainment of the 8-hour ozone NAAOS. The Area Encompassed by the EAC The Austin/San Marcos MSA, which comprises Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell Counties, is the planning area for which this EAC is designed. This is the same area encompassed by the 03 Flex Agreement. Siqnatories and Their Responsibilities The individuals representing the entities that will sign this EAC are: the County Judges for Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties; the mayors for the cities of Austin, Bastrop, Elgin, Lockhart, Luling, Round Rock and San Marcos; and appropriate signatories from EPA and TCEO. The local entities whose representatives support and sign the EAC are committed to holding primary responsibility for the development and implementation of the CAAP, and for maintaining communication with all parties. These commitments by local agencies are enumerated in the following Memorandum of Agreement, along with the commitments of TCEO and EPA. Conditions for Modification or Early Termination This agreement may be modified or terminated at any time by mutual consent of all signatory parties before formal incorporation into the SIP in 2004. Before the CAAP is adopted into the SIP, any signatory party may withdraw from the agreement. If a party's withdrawal from the agreement prevents remaining signatories from satisfying any of the terms and milestones of the original agreement, the agreement will be void and the area's nonattainment designation immediately effective. Once the CAAP is incorporated into the SIP, modification is considerably more difficult, as the SIP is a legally binding state and federal agreement to carry out specific emission-reduction activities. IV