PROBLEM

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) monitors ground level ozone in urban areas. The ground level ozone levels in the Peoria area are very close to the maximum levels permitted.  If our area goes over the permitted levels, we will be in “non-attainment.”  If we are in “non-attainment,” reducing ground level ozone will become mandatory.

The USEPA is currently considering lowering the standard for ground level ozone. Making the standard more restrictive may result in our region being in ‘’non-attainment,” even though our ground level ozone levels haven’t increased.  For this reason, it is imperative that we reduce our current levels of ground level ozone.

Whether or not the USEPA changes the standards to make them more restrictive, TCRPC will promote clean air.

Additional explanations

•     High ground level ozone is bad because it affects human health, particularly the respiratory system – those with COPD, allergies and asthma are most affected; and it affects agricultural yields, which will affect overall food supply and our area’s farmers.

• Attainment means that the region’s levels are below the standard and no further action is required; however, if the region is in “Non-Attainment,” reducing our air pollution will become mandatory, with required actions occurring as a result.

•     The USEPA is considering lowering the ground level ozone standards, thus making them more restrictive.  It is not known at this time when or if they will lower the standards, or to what level they will lower them to.

•     Ground level ozone is affected by transportation, individuals and industry. About one-third of total ground level ozone comes from each source.

• Hunter Greene (and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission) is concerned primarily with ground level ozone from transportation sources. TCRPC is also concerned with ground level ozone from individuals, but that is not the focus of Hunter’s campaign. We are not addressing ozone from industrial sources.
• Hunter hopes to  encourage some VOLUNTARY changes now so that MANDATORY changes do not become necessary later.

CONSEQUENCES IF WE GO INTO “NON-ATTAINMENT”

• Consequences to the general public
  • Vehicle owners must have their cars inspected on a regular basis.
  • A different fuel blend will be required at gas stations, which may increase the cost of gasoline.
  • Speed limits will be reduced.
  • Vapor recovery systems will be added to gas station fuel pumps  (those bulky black rubber covers that keep gas fumes from escaping when you fill up, currently seen in major cities like Chicago and St. Louis).

• Consequences for government
  • Loss of federal highway funding.
  • increased regulations on road building projects that increase both the time necessary to complete a project and the total cost of the project.
  • Loss of economic development opportunities.

SOLUTION

The most immediate way to affect our ozone levels is to reduce our emissions through changes in our transportation methods and energy-efficient vehicles – i.e., mass transit (CityLink), ciCarpool.org, van pools, bicycles, walking.