DEPARTMENT: Office of Sustainability and Metro Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Douglas R. Melnick, AICP, CNU-A, Chief Sustainability Officer; Dr. Colleen Bridger, Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
SUBJECT:
Air Quality - Non Attainment Status Update
SUMMARY:
Briefing on pending air quality status and the FY 2018 Air Quality Program
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a more stringent “health-based” air pollution standard of 70 parts per billion (ppb) (the prior standard was 75 ppb) on October 1, 2015, impacting San Antonio’s air quality attainment status. Air quality is a significant priority for City Council, as it has an impact on our community's public and economic health.
ISSUE:
On June 6, 2017, the EPA sent a letter to Governors to inform them that the EPA was extending the deadline for promulgating initial area designations by one year (to June 2018) for the 2015 ozone federal air quality standard.
On August 2, 2017, the EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced that it was withdrawing the one-year extension of the deadline for implementing initial non-attainment designations for the 2015 ozone federal air quality standard. Designations are to proceed as scheduled in October 2017. San Antonio may be designated non-attainment this Fall, as our most current air monitoring reading of 73 ppb exceeds the new federal standard of 70 ppb.
If the EPA issues a nonattainment designation letter to Governor Abbott on October 1, 2017, nonattainment for San Antonio and any other designated areas will take effect February 2018.
The Office of Sustainability and Metro Health provided a briefing to the Council Community Health and Equity Committee September 28, 2017, and outlined a list of potential air quality programs that could be implemented in FY18, as well as initiatives to inform the community on the impacts of non attainment to the regional economy and public health.
The FY2017 budget contained $75,000 to implement a public outreach and education campaign (Breathe Today. SA Tomorrow) to bring awareness to air quality and provide useful tips on what San Antonians can do to improve air quality. The approved FY2018 budget includes $150,000 for Metro Health and the Office of Sustainability to conduct additional analysis of ozone formation in San Antonio, and for the continuation of the “Breathe Today.SA Tomorrow.” air quality communication and education campaign. Finally, in FY2018, the Office of Sustainability and Metro Health will be coordinating with city departments to identify air quality-related projects and policies, such as electric vehicle infrastructure, commuter benefit options, bicycle infrastructure, a voluntary institutional anti-idling program and the expansion of under one-roof program expansion.
The City staff will continue to collaborate with Federal, State and local entities to evaluate opportunities and implement local policies to reduce air pollution.
ALTERNATIVES:
This briefing is for informational purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This briefing covers general air quality policy only and does not have a fiscal impact on operations.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval to continue to provide updates to the Community Health and Equity Committee for guidance on the implementation of air quality policy and regulatory recommendations.