R-13-10-24-F9 - 10/24/2013RESOLUTION NO. R -13-10-24-F9
WHEREAS, the local governments within the Austin -Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical
Area (MSA), which consists of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties, recognize
that they have periodically monitored high ozone values close to exceeding the 8 -hour National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone, and may therefore be subject to nonattainment
designation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if exceedingly high ozone values are
monitored in the future; and
WHEREAS, on February 14, 2008, the City pursuant to Resolution No. R -08-02-14-9B1
executed an Interlocal Memorandum of Agreement for entry into a voluntary 8 -hour Ozone Flex
Program with other local governments in the MSA; and
WHEREAS, the 8 -hour Ozone Flex Program expires on December 31, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to continue implementing measures to maintain compliance with
the ozone NAAQS; and
WHEREAS, the EPA has reviewed and updated the 8 -hour Ozone Flex Program, hereinafter
referred to as the Ozone Advance Program; and
WHEREAS, the City of Round, Texas is a member of the Central Texas Clean Air Coalition
(CAC) of the Capital Area of Governments; and
WHEREAS, the CAC has committed to submit a new Action Plan under the Ozone Advance
Program by December 31, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the Ozone Advance Program Action Plan will continue to achieve air quality and
public health benefits by implementing early voluntary pollution control measures for ozone tailored to
local condition before air quality standard violations occur or before Federal measures are mandated;
and
0112 1304, 00284824/ss2
WHEREAS, the CAC has requested that its members consider committing to emission
reduction measures as part of this Action Plan by October 31, 2013; Now Therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS,
That the City of Round Rock commits to continue to implement the measures that were
implemented under the region's 8 -Hour Ozone Flex Plan, and to also implement measures described in
the CAC Advisory Committee Ozone Advance Plan Recommendations (Exhibit "A") and the list of
Ozone Advance Action Plan Measures (Exhibit "B") as part of the region's Ozone Advance Program
Action Plan, and directs staff to implement these measures as part of the Action Plan.
The City Council hereby finds and declares that written notice of the date, hour, place and
subject of the meeting at which this Resolution was adopted was posted and that such meeting was
open to the public as required by law at all times during which this Resolution and the subject matter
hereof were discussed, considered and formally acted upon, all as required by the Open Meetings Act,
Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended.
RESOLVED this 24th day of October, 2013.
SARA L. WHITE, City Clerk
Om A_, --
ALAN MCGRAW, Mayor
City of Round Rock, Texas
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EXHIBIT
„A»
Clean Air Coalition Advisory Committee
Ozone Advance Plan Recommendations
In support of the planning effort for the region's Ozone Advance Program (OAP), the Clean Air Coalition
Advisory Committee (CACAC) recommends that the Clean Air Coalition (CAC) take the following actions
at the meeting scheduled for September 4, 2013:
1. Approve a list of region -wide emission reduction and planning measures;
2. Approve a request to member jurisdictions to renew commitments made and implemented under
the 8 -Hour Ozone Flex Plan;
3. Approve a request to member jurisdictions to consider making commitments to implement
additional emission reduction and planning measures within their own organizations and
jurisdictions as outlined below.
CAC members and any other participating jurisdictions or entities should finalize commitments under#2
and #3, and notify the CAC and the CACAC co-chairs, by October 31, 2013. This will allow the Ozone
Advance Program Action Plan to be written and adopted by the December 31, 2013 deadline.
Background
The Ozone Advance Program Action Plan is the latest voluntary air quality improvement plan that the
region is developing in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CAC sent
EPA a "path forward letter" stating that the region intended to develop an Ozone Advance Plan by
continuing and building upon the existing plan implemented under the 8 -Hour Ozone Flex Program. The
Coalition indicated that the region would complete an Ozone Advance Plan prior to the expiration of the
8 -Hour Ozone Flex Program on December 31, 2013.
The CAC's previous three voluntary emission reduction plans succeeded in lowering ozone levels and in
keeping the region compliant with EPA's standards. This was accomplished even as the area's population
grew and EPA's standards became more stringent.
As required by the Clean Air Act, EPA is performing a scheduled review of its ozone standards. We
anticipate this review will result in lowering the standard from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to between 60-
70 ppb. Implementing a robust Ozone Advance Program Action Plan is critical if we are to have a chance
at remaining in attainment (which is possible if the standard is set at 70 ppb). In 2012, there were seven
days when the region experienced eight-hour ozone averages above the current standard of 75 ppb; 12
days over 70 ppb; and 61 days over 60 ppb. Given that EPA is likely to set a new standard in the range
of 60-70 ppb in 2015, additional emission reduction measures beyond what are currently in place will
be needed to ensure that the area can remain in attainment of federal ozone standards.
The CACAC has conducted extensive public and stakeholder outreach to get input on measures to
reduce ozone -forming emissions. In the Austin -Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA),
1
EXHIBIT "A"
reducing NOx emissions is about 100 tines more effective in lowering ozone than reducing volatile
organic compounds (VOC) emissions, pound for pound, so any Action Plan would need to focus on NOx
reduction strategies rather than VOC reduction strategies.
Based on the input received, staff analysis, and the CAC's intent as communicated in the "path forward
letter," the CACAC has made the following recommendations for consideration in developing the Ozone
Advance Plan:
Regional Measures
"Regional measures" are measures that must either be implemented regionally, or would be more
appropriate to implement regionally than by individual jurisdictions. If this list is approved, the CACAC
would then develop a plan to carry out these measures with regional partners and incorporate these
measures into the Ozone Advance Program Action Plan.
A. Continue the regional trip planning & ridesharing program — MyCommuteSolutions.com, and
recruit more employers to sign up to use the program.
B. Conduct a coordinated region -wide outreach and awareness effort including, though not limited
to:
• Development of school curricula and/or conducting outreach through schools,
• Multimedia public education programs, and
■ Business partnerships and recognition programs.
C. Develop resources for local emission reduction and planning measures, such as "best practices"
documents for procurement policies, fleet management policies, idling enforcement, and
development measures; and provide assistance to local jurisdictions with grant applications.
D. Continue to collect, track, and evaluate data on the Ozone Advance Program participants'
efforts annually, and consolidate redundant reporting efforts.
E. Encourage participation in the regional Clean Cities program.
F. Seek funding to conduct the following regional research projects:
■ Assessment of vehicle inspection and maintenance program compliance levels,
■ Assessment of air quality impacts of options for shifting traffic from IH -35 to SH 130,
■ Assessment of impacts of shifting modes of transportation, and
■ Assessment of air quality impacts of regional non -road fleets and evaluation of impacts of
policy options.
Priority Measures for Consideration by Local Jurisdictions
"Priority Measures" are measures that the CACAC believes are accessible to all members of the CAC.
They enjoyed very broad and intense support in the survey, require minimal resources to implement,
and would provide an effective "baseline" program for any jurisdiction if implemented. The CACAC
recommends that the CAC specifically single out these measures as "priority" measures for
2
EXHIBIT "A"
consideration by local member jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions already participate in some or all these
measures.
These are also all steps that could have impacts on ozone levels in the short- to medium term (over the
next 1-3 years). The CACAC, CAPCOG, CAMPO, and any other regional partners would work with local
jurisdictions to facilitate the implementation of any new measures to reduce the burden on local staff.
A. Business Evaluation of Fleet Usage: evaluate and improve the efficiency of the jurisdiction's fleet
usage, focusing on using the cleanest vehicle appropriate for the jobs, consolidating trips, and in
general, setting policies for fleet usage that reduce NOX emissions. Regional partners can assist
jurisdictions in conducting these evaluations.
B. Commit to applying for TERP and/or DERA funding when available to retrofit, repower, or
replace older diesel vehicles and equipment owned and operated by the jurisdiction. Regional
partners can assist jurisdictions in preparing these applications.
C. Implement a commuter trip reduction program for the jurisdiction's own employees. These
programs can include carpooling, vanpooling, the use of mass transit, flexible schedules,
teleworking, guaranteed ride home assurances for commuters, parking cash -out programs, and
others.
D. Encourage local businesses to implement commuter trip reduction programs.
E. Regularly plan for Transportation Emission Reduction Measures (TERMS) within the community
and report progress to CAMPO annually. These include projects such as improvements to
roadway performance, expanded transit, and improved or expanded bike or pedestrian
infrastructure. CAMPO recently solicited TERMs commitments from its members and
compiled a consolidated list of these projects. This list can be added to as needed.
F. Re -commit to enforcement of heavy duty idling restrictions, adopt a written protocol for
implementation, and track compliance. This will require the jurisdiction signing a new
Memorandum of Agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
G. Implement an Ozone Action Day program for the organization. The program could include, for
example, an employee and community notification system, the use of flexible schedules and
"work from home" options, or postponing nonessential use of vehicles and equipment.
H. Commit to participate in regional measures.
I. Annually track and report to CAPCOG for inclusion in an annual OAP report and performance
evaluation:
■ Vehicle and equipment usage,
■ Electricity and gas usage,
■ Contracted construction and landscaping work, and
■ Details on performance of locally adopted measures.
Additional Measures for Consideration by Local jurisdictions
In addition to the measures a jurisdiction is already implementing and any of the "priority measures"
listed above, CACAC recommends that each jurisdiction review the following list of additional measures
3
EXHIBIT "A"
that would help reduce NOx emissions and commit to additional measures as circumstances allow.
Implementing additional emissions reduction measures will strengthen the Ozone Advance Plan and
increase the likelihood of success. Based on staff analysis, these measures may require more time,
financial, or staff resources to implement, or may be better suited politically to some jurisdictions rather
than others. These are not presented in any order of preference. CACAC members stand ready to
provide any additional analysis on these measures upon request of a jurisdiction.
A. Implement procurement policies that would result in lower NOx emissions, such as:
■ Establish a preference for low -emission (Tier 2, Bin 4 or better) Tight -duty vehicles,
■ Require new trucks to be certified to meet California low-NOx idle standards,
■ Encourage the use of low -emission equipment and vehicles in contracts,
• Encourage local sourcing of materials in supply contracts to reduce trucking activity.
B. Commit to replace/repower/retrofit a certain percentage or amount of vehicles and equipment
over a period of time (including any TERP or DERA project funding secured by the jurisdiction).
C. Enhance compliance with the vehicle inspection and maintenance program (where applicable).
D. Enhance vehicle idling restrictions and enforcement efforts. These could include notice
requirements and conducting targeted enforcement actions against property owners and
trucking companies.
E. Implement policies to reduce open burning on Ozone Action Days.
F. Require or incentivize commuter trip reduction programs for large employers.
G. Implement special event emission reduction policies.
H. Implement development measures to reduce growth in vehicle miles traveled and congestion.
I. Implement development measures to reduce energy consumption from new developments.
J. Implement development measures that will cool developed areas.
K.
Implement energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resource conservation policies that will
result in reduced energy consumption:
■ Within the organization/jurisdiction's own operations, and
s Within the community at large.
Contact
Members of the CACAC are available to answer questions or to assist as needed. Please contact your
CACAC representative or the CACAC co-chairs, Andrew Hoekzema from CAPCOG
(ahoekzema@capcog.org, 512.916.6043) and Pharr Andrews from the City of Austin
(pharr.andrews@austintexas.gov, 512.974.6476).
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EXHIBIT
!I B 11
8-03 Flex Measures with No Corresponding Measure on CACAC List: Landscaping Voluntary Start at Noon on Hh
ig
Ozone Days, Limit vehicle idling to 5 minutes or less, Low VOC Asphalt, Low VOC Roadway Striping, Paving of Unpaved
Roads, Resource Conservation, School Bus Program, TxLED (for any biodiesel), Vapor Recovery on Fuel Pumps, Vehicle
Maintenance, ABIA measures, Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Direct Deposit, Drive -Through Facilities on Ozone Watch Days,
e -Government and/or Available Locations, Fueling Vehicles in the Evening.
1
zone'AdVanice Actron,Plan Measilre
1' Corresponding 8 03 Flex Measure
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A
Business Evaluation of Fleet Usage
Business Evaluation of Fleet Usage,
Including Operations and Right -Sizing
13
Apply for TERP/DERA Funding
C
Implement Commuter Trip Reduction Program for Organization
Commute Solutions Program
D
Encourage Private Sector Commuter Trip Reduction Programs
E
Plan for and Implement TERMS
Transportation Emission Reduction
Measures, Access Management,
Alternative Commute Infrastructure
F
Re -Commit to Heavy -Duty Vehicle Idling Enforcement & Adopt Written Protocol
Enforcement of Heavy Duty Idling
Restrictions
G
Ozone Action Day Program for Organization
Ozone Watch and Warning Day
Education, Notification, and Response
Programs
H
Commit to Participate in Regional Measures
11
Track and Report Vehicle and Equipment Usage
12
Track and Report Electricity and Gas Usage
13
Track and Report Contracted Construction and Landscaping Work
14
Track and Report Details on Performance of Locally Adopted Measures
•
Additional Measures
Al
Procurement Policy Prioritizing Purchases of Low -Emission (Tier 2, Bin 4 or
better) Light -Duty Vehicles
Low Emission Vehicles
A2
Procurement Policy Requiring New Trucks to be Certified to CARB Low-NOx Idle
Standards
A3
Procurement Policy Encouraging Use of Low -Emission Equipment and Vehichles
in Contracts
Contractor Provisions for High Ozone
Days
A4
Procurement Policy Encouraging Local Sourcing of Materials in Supply Contracts
B
Commit to Replace/Repower/Retrofit Certain Some Vehicles/ Equipment
C
Enhance Compliance with Vehicle I/M Program
D
Enhance Idling Restrictions and Enforcement
E
Open Burning Restrictions
Open Burning Restrictions
F
Require or Incentivize Commuter Trip Reduction Programs for Large Employers
G
Special Event Emission Reduction Policies
H
Development Measures to Reduce Growth in VMT and Congestion
Expedited Permitting for Mixed Use,
Transit -Oriented, or In -Fill Development,
Transit -Oriented Development
Development Measures to Reduce Energy Consumption from New
Developments
J
Development Measures to Cool Developed Areas
Shaded Parking, Tree Planting, Urban
Heat Island/Cool Cities Program
K
Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Resource Conservation Policies that
Reduce Energy Consumption
Energy Conservation/Demand
Management Measures, Resource
Conservation
8-03 Flex Measures with No Corresponding Measure on CACAC List: Landscaping Voluntary Start at Noon on Hh
ig
Ozone Days, Limit vehicle idling to 5 minutes or less, Low VOC Asphalt, Low VOC Roadway Striping, Paving of Unpaved
Roads, Resource Conservation, School Bus Program, TxLED (for any biodiesel), Vapor Recovery on Fuel Pumps, Vehicle
Maintenance, ABIA measures, Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Direct Deposit, Drive -Through Facilities on Ozone Watch Days,
e -Government and/or Available Locations, Fueling Vehicles in the Evening.
1
�� TEXAS
PURPOSE PACK PROSPERITY
City of Round Rock
Agenda Item Summary
Agenda Number: F.9
Title: Consider a resolution committing to participation in the Ozone Advance
Program and the implementation of measures described in the Ozone
Advance Program Action Plan.
Type: Resolution
Governing Body: City Council
Agenda Date: 10/24/2013
Dept Director: Gary Hudder, Transportation Director
Cost:
Indexes:
Attachments: Resolution, Exhibit A, Exhibit B
Text of Legislative File 13-860
With the rapid growth experienced in Round Rock and Central Texas over the last decade,
compliance with the federal National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) has become
an area of increasing concern; the primary pollutant in our area is ozone. Violation of the
standards set out in the NAAQS can lead to a designation of "non -attainment" for our
region. A non -attainment designation can lead to crippling mandates on businesses and
industry; it can require federal oversight on many locally funded roadway projects; and it can
require the introduction of certain expensive fuel additives for motor vehicle fuels sold in the
Central Texas area, to name but a few of the unsavory aspects of non -attainment. In
addition, ozone, can have detrimental effects on the respiratory systems of vulnerable
populations, leading to significant impacts and costs to our health care system.
In recognition of the concerns about ozone in our region, in 2001 the City entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding ozone emissions with other parties in the
region (then called the Ozone Flex Agreement). The purpose of this MOA was for each
jurisdiction to voluntarily enact measures to help reduce their emission of ozone precursor
chemicals. In return, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would favorably consider
this voluntary participation should the region ever fall into non -attainment of the ozone
standards. Some examples of these measures include requiring employees to receive their
paychecks via direct deposit; utilizing a vehicle "right -sizing" committee; and restricting
mowing on days predicted to have high ozone levels.
In 2008, the Ozone Flex Plan was expiring, and the City entered into a new MOA for ozone
emissions which was then called the "8 Hour 03 Flex Plan". This renewed plan again
called for voluntary participation in the same emission reduction measures contained under
City of Round Rock Page 1 Printed on 10/18/2013
Agenda Item Summary Continued (13-860)
the previous agreement. The 8 Hour 03 Flex Plan is set to expire December 31, 2013.
Since that time, the EPA has introduced a new version of the voluntary plan named the
Ozone Advance Program. Commitment to this plan involves the same measures Round
Rock has previously committed to under the above mentioned agreements. Round Rock's
continued participation in these measures will demonstrate the City's commitment to
maintaining and improving the air quality of our region.
Staff recommends approval.
City of Round Rock Page 2 Printed on 10/18/2013