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PM 2.5 Advance Path Forward. Transportation Advisory Committee June 12, 2014. Past and Present Status of PM2.5. In 2012, EPA strengthened the federal standard for PM2.5 to 12 micrograms per cubic meter Preliminary 2013 TCEQ data indicate declining PM2.5 values
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PM2.5AdvancePath Forward Transportation Advisory Committee June 12, 2014
Past and Present Status of PM2.5 • In 2012, EPA strengthened the federal standard for PM2.5 to 12 micrograms per cubic meter • Preliminary 2013 TCEQ data indicate declining PM2.5 values • However, the HGB annual PM2.5 design value is very close to the current standard
Voluntary PM2.5 Advance Program • The PM Advance Program is a voluntary, collaborative effort to reduce PM2.5 • RAQPAC recommended H-GAC participate in the voluntary PM Advance Program to proactively address regional PM2.5 concerns • H-GAC Board of Directors authorized H-GAC staff to develop voluntary strategies to reduce PM2.5 • PM 2.5 Task Force subsequently developed “Path Forward” document, which serves as a voluntary action plan to reduce PM2.5 emissions in our region • RAQPAC voted to recommend H-GAC submission of the Path Forward to EPA
PM2.5 Path Forward • The Path Forward is a compilation of voluntary regional air quality improvement efforts • Projects range from • Replacement of older heavy-duty truck and marine engines with newer, cleaner models • Funding of electric vehicle charging equipment • Voluntary industry and local government air quality initiatives • Over 50 current H-GAC and partner programs/projects are included in the plan, and nearly 20 additional potential future initiatives are included
PM2.5Advance Next Steps • Present Path Forward to H-GAC Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) • Present Path Forward to Transportation Policy Council (TPC), June 2014 & H-GAC Board of Directors, July 2014 • Upon TPC and Board approval, Path Forward will be submitted to EPA, July-August 2014 • RAQPAC/H-GAC staff will distribute Path Forward, Track Forward Efforts & Adjust Path Forward on an ongoing basis • Final Designations for PM2.5 NAAQS, Dec. 2014 (EPA/TCEQ) • H-GAC will provide informal Status Updates to EPA, annually
Contact Information Shelley Whitworth Air Quality Program Manager Houston-Galveston Area Council 713-499-6695 Shelley.Whitworth@H-GAC.com