16. State of the Air – Port Region
March 2, 2017
Shelley Whitworth
H-GAC Air Quality Program Manager

17. The Houston-Galveston Region
Region’s population is currently 5.9 million, and is expected to reach 10 million by 2040
Metropolitan area covers almost
9,000 mi2
Economy has a broad industrial base in the energy, aeronautics, medical, and technology industries
Home to over 5,000 energy related firms
Port of Houston is the 10th largest port in the world and ranks 1st in the U.S. in international commerce

18. NAAQS Compliance NAAQS = National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Federal standards designed to protect human health and the environment
Regions need to meet standards in a range of pollutants including ozone
Houston is moderate nonattainment (does not meet the standard for) ozone.

19. NAAQS Compliance EXTREME SEVERE SERIOUS MODERATE MARGINAL
(3 years to attain)
MODERATE
(6 years to attain)
SERIOUS
(9 years to attain)
SEVERE
(15/17 years to attain)
EXTREME
(20 years to attain)
PENALTY FEE PROGRAM FOR MAJOR SOURCES
LOW VOC REFORMULATED GAS (as appropriate)
VMT GROWTH OFFSET (& TCMs if needed)
VMT DEMONSTRATION (& TCMs IF NEEDED)
NSR REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING SOURCE MODS
ENHANCED MONITORING PLAN
18% RFP OVER 6 YEARS
MODELED DEMO OF ATTAINMENT
MILESTONE CONTINGENCY MEASURES FOR RFP
ENHANCED I/M
CLEAN FUELS PROGRAM (If applicable)
STAGE II GASOLINE VAPOR RECOVERY
BASIC I/M
CONTINGENCY MEASURES FOR FAILURE TO ATTAIN
15% RFP OVER 6 YEARS
MAJOR SOURCE VOC/NOx RACT
ATTAINMENT DEMONSTRATION
BASELINE EMISSION INVENTORY (EI)
PERIODIC EMISSION INVENTORY UPDATES
TRANSPORTATION CONFORMITY DEMONSTRATION
MAJOR SOURCE EMISSION STATEMENTS
NEW SOURCE REVIEW PROGRAM
TRAFFIC CONTROLS DURING CONGESTION
(if appropriate)
CLEAN FUELS REQUIREMENT FOR BOILERS

20. NAAQS Compliance: Timeline
June 2017
EPA recommends nonattainment designations for 2015 standard
October 2017
EPA will finalize designations for 2015 standard
October 2019
Emissions inventories due for 2015 standard
October
State Implementation Plans due

21. NAAQS Compliance 8-Hour Design Value Expected 2015 Designation
Ozone 8-Hour 1997 NAAQS: 84 ppb
2008 NAAQS: 75 ppb
Source: TCEQ

22. Houston Area Air Quality: Ozone
Following efforts to address industrial emissions, the number of days with dangerous ozone levels has decreased
Introduction of VOC emissions reporting standards
Reducing mobile emissions plays a critical role in Houston’s ozone mitigation strategy

23. On-Road Mobile Emissions
Mobile NOx Emissions Inventory
On-Road Mobile Emissions
Ozone Season VMT
Source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

24. Funding Considerations
Funding to assist with the development of emission reduction programs is limited
The Houston region meets emission reduction targets by setting an investment ratio of cost per ton reduced
This approach allows private and public entities to apply for funding, with the cost effectiveness of projects defining the amount received
Allows funds to be stretched beyond minimum local match requirements
Ensures an equitable distribution of funds
Includes built-in performance measures

25. Vehicle and Technology Upgrades: Diesel Engine Replacements
• Waste/refuse trucks
• Construction vehicles
• Delivery trucks
• School and transit buses
• Short-haul drayage trucks serving local ports
Investment Ratios:
Diesel-to-diesel: $10,000-$15,000 per ton
Diesel-to-alternative fuels: $35,000-$45,000 per ton
> 5,500 tons of NOx emission reductions contracted
> $100 million dispersed
> 3,300 diesel engines replaced

26. Vehicle and Technology Upgrades: Maritime Vessel Engine Replacement
Provided nearly $2 million in federal (EPA) funds awarded to local tug companies to repower high-emitting vessels with cleaner diesel engines
For vessels operate primarily within Houston’s ozone nonattainment area
Investment ratio: $2,500-$5,000 per ton of reduced NOx emissions

27. Trans. Demand Management: Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Reductions
Over 144 million miles driven daily on the 25,000 miles – including 205 miles of HOV/HOT lanes – comprising the region’s road network
Houston is one of the most traffic congested cities in the U.S.:
Commuters spend about 52 hours per year in traffic delays idling
Approx. 80% of commuters drive alone
Source: EPA Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator, G. Lubertino (H-GAC)

28. Vehicle/Engine Replacement: NOx Reductions (tons)
Drayage Loan Program
80.5 tons

29. Upcoming Initiatives: VW Settlement
Volkswagen has agreed to spend up to $14.7 billion to settle fraud allegations regarding diesel emissions.
Funds will be used to buy back and/or modify vehicles, and to support national- and state-level projects to reduce NOx emissions.

30. Upcoming Initiatives: VW Settlement
National-level projects: Electrify America
Investments totaling $2 billion over 10 years
Initial focus on EV infrastructure; will focus on other project types later
State-level projects
Will work directly with states to send emission reduction funds to the most effected areas.
Houston expects to receive nearly $50 billion

31. Upcoming Initiatives: Idle Reduction & Zero Emissions
Develop local program focused on reducing idling within the region
Focus on freight:
Provide low or no emission vehicle replacements
Purchase electric reefer trailers and electric chargers
Focus on police and security vehicles
Assist agencies in purchasing APUs to reduce idling