Improving Air Quality A Public Outreach & Communication Program

1. Improving Air QualityA Public Outreach & CommunicationProgram Presentation By: Ms. Reggie Korthals Environmental Director Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (MPO) June 29, 2004 FHWA – Environmental Conference

2. Clean AirIt’s A Region Thing ! Be Part of the Solution Not The Problem

3. Where are we? • Part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area • 1,520 square miles – Tri-County area • Population 741,468 (2000) • 45 miles of Lake Michigan Shore Line • Classified MODERATE non-attainment for ozone under the 8 hour standard • 47% of air pollution is from mobile sources • No regional public transportation system

5. Purpose of the NWI Air Quality Public Outreach and Education Program • Regulatory Program Support - Auto Emissions Testing (I & M) • Non-regulatory Program Support • General Public Awareness • Voluntary program • Youth Campaign • Environmental Justice

6. Universities High School Educators National Park Service State, County & Local Parks Environmental Conservation Groups Community Coalitions Business & Industry Newspapers and Radio Local Gov. Agencies State Gov. Agencies Federal Agencies Elected Officials Citizens Groups Coalitions & Partnerships

7. Coalitions and Partnerships Help Maximize Objectives • Leverages resources • Increases visibility in the community • Increases credibility in the community • Easier program implementation • Air quality objectives are maximized

8. 2004 Program Emphasis • Ozone and PM 2.5 Awareness – New Messages – “Air Pollution Action Day” • Decrease Diesel Idling Emissions • Increase School Bus Conversions • Implement Idle Free Zones at Travel Centers Along 80/69 Corridor • Continue Gas Can Exchange Program • Increase Car Care and Refueling Awareness • Introduce Eco Driving - XRT Drivers Education Program • Inclusion of LaPorte County into the Program • Reorganize and Expand Partners For Clean Air Program

9. 2004 Air Quality Public Outreach Clean Air – It’s A Region Thing • Ozone Action Day Programs – Still Struggling with new message • South Shore RailCats Promotion – Ride Share to the Ball Park • Gas Can Exchange Program • School Bus and Fleet Retrofit/Biodiesel Initiative • Diesel Emissions and Truck Stop Electrification Pilot Project • Introduction of XRT Program – ECO DRIVING

12. 2004 Ozone Action Day – Air Pollution Action Day Events • Brochures distributed by Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Centers: May-October, • Two Workshops for Teachers – partner, EENSLMR • Partnership With IN DOT to Use IT system • Media Notification and Alert – Newspapers and Radio • Partners for Clean Air Action Steps

13. Indicators of Success • Number of outreach materials distributed and requested • Increased response and attendance at events • Increased participation at events • Amount and type of media coverage • Increase in public interest in heavy diesel emissions • Number of gas cans collected • Increased public awareness

14. Measuring Success • Measuring outcomes and impacts of the program were difficult • Lack of funds • Lack of personnel • Lack of time • Lack of evaluation strategies • US EPA Demonstrating the Benefits Toolkit will enable better planning , implementing, evaluating, and refining program in the future.

15. For Additional Information on the NIRPC Air Quality Public Education and Outreach ProgramContact: Ms. Reggie Korthals Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368 219-763-6060 rkorthals@nirpc.org