Ozone Early Action Compacts Clearing the Air in Tennessee Prepared by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for the Tennessee Pollution Prevention Roundtable June 2003

Tennessee Pollution Prevention (TP2) Roundtable Government, industry, universities, and environmental groups dedicated to preventing pollution In 1998, met year 2000 goal of reducing emissions of toxic chemicals by 50% from 1989 levels Now focusing on reducing ozone levels through Early Action Compacts

What are Early Action Compacts? Broad partnerships with government, business and citizens Provide cleaner air for Tennesseans Voluntarily improve air quality ahead of federal requirements Implement local strategies for meeting the federal 8-hour ozone standard

Early Action Compact Areas Chattanooga Region Knoxville Region Tri-Cities RegionNashville Region Memphis Region Putnam Co. Haywood Co.

Southeastern areas exceeding the 8-hour ozone standard Source:

Ozone (O 3 ) is a colorless gas that is good up high, bad nearby Source:

Ozone harms our lungs… Aggravates asthma Reduces lung capacity Increases vulnerability to illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis Can cause permanent lung damage after long-term exposure Affects especially children, elderly, those with respiratory problems, and those who spend much time outdoors

Ozone harms our economy… Affects tourism Reduces crop and forest yields Restricts economic development Threatens federal highway funds Ozone in the Smokies damages 30 species of plants, causing visible leaf injury and growth reductions. Source: National Park Service Ozone-Injured Black Cherry

What causes nearby ozone? Nitrogen oxides (NOx) + volatile organic compounds (VOCs) + certain weather = Ozone Nitrogen oxides (NOx) + volatile organic compounds (VOCs) + certain weather = Ozone Source: Sources of VOCs Motor vehicles Stationary sources Solvents, lawn and garden equipment Trees Sources of NOx Motor vehicles Electric utilities Industrial, commercial and residential sources that burn fuel

How is ozone regulated? EPA sets federal air quality standards Old 1-hour standard.12 ppm New 8-hour standard.08 ppm State monitors ozone levels EPA designates nonattainment areas

What does nonattainment mean? Measured ozone levels can exceed the health-based standard The air is not always healthy to breathe

How would nonattainment affect my county? Public stigma of nonattainment Impacts on economic development Tougher permitting for industry Industrial recruitment difficult Highway funds can be held back

What are the sources of NOx in Tennessee? Source: University of Tennessee, 2003

Which vehicles emit the most NOx? 2007 Emissions Contribution by Vehicle Type Tennessee Data 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% LDGVLDGT12LDGT34 HDGV MC LDDV LDDTHDDV Vehicle Category Percent of Total Emissions VOCNOx CO Source: University of Tennessee, 2003

What are sources of NOx in the Chattanooga region? Source: University of Tennessee, 2003

What are sources of NOx in the Kingsport region? Source: University of Tennessee, 2003

What are sources of NOx in the Knoxville region? Source: University of Tennessee, 2003

What are sources of NOx in the Memphis region? Source: University of Tennessee, 2003

What are sources of NOx in the Nashville region? Source: University of Tennessee, 2003

What are sources of NOx in Haywood County? Source: University of Tennessee, 2003

How will the new 8-hour ozone standard affect Tennessee? New standard much more demanding Many Tennessee counties will NOT meet new standard without additional controls Industrial controls alone not sufficient must also reduce vehicle emissions Local support and participation needed to attain new standard

What has EPA done to reduce ozone? NOx reductions from TVA and large industrial boilers Low-sulfur gasoline (phased in ) New emission standards for passenger cars (phased in ) New on-road diesel engine and fuel standards (phased in )

What can Tennesseans do to reduce ozone? State air pollution regulations to reduce emissions from factories and power plants Reducing emissions from low-level sources will have greatest local impact Local requirements to reduce vehicle emissions Voluntary actions by government, business and citizens State writes control measures into a State Implementation Plan (SIP)

What have Tennessees EAC partners committed to do? Take early action to reduce ozone levels Actively participate in selecting and implementing local control measures State leads on technical work and regulates stationary sources outside of local programs Implement voluntary and regulatory strategies that address all sources

Deadlines for Tennessee June 16, 2003: State sends EPA likely control measures for each compact March 2004: Local areas submit air quality improvement plan to state April 2004: EPA designates nonattainment areas, but defers effective date for compact areas

Deadlines for Tennessee December 2004: State Air Pollution Control Board adopts control measures into SIP Dec. 31, 2004: State submits SIP to EPA March 2005: Implement emission reduction measures : Measure ozone levels October 2007: Attainment achieved

What are the benefits of early action? Cleaner air sooner Local planning and decisions Broad public input More economic opportunity Avoid burdensome regulations 8-hour transportation conformity Offsets

What can we do? Reduce vehicle use Trip reduction programs Enhance transit and other transportation alternatives Commuter Choice incentives Employee education programs Use cleaner fuelsnatural gas, propane, biodiesel, ethanol Implement Air Quality Action Days

What can we do? Reduce off-road mobile emissions Lawn equipment Construction equipment Enhance energy efficiency Limit long duration idling Support national clean air legislation