Proposal:

Set Public Hearing February 14, 1997 to Receive Public Input on Executive Officer’s Program Goals/Objectives for FY 1997-98 Budget.

Synopsis:

This transmits a set of Program Goals/Objectives which will serve as the foundation for the AQMD’s FY 1997-98 Work Program and Budget.

Recommended Action:

Set a Public Hearing February 14, 1997 to Receive Public Input on the Executive Officer’s Program Goals/Objectives for the FY 1997-98 Budget.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

The attached Goals/Objectives for 1998 will serve as the foundation for the AQMD’s FY 1997-98 Work Program. Emphasis for this year will be on the implementation of Title V and the development of new systems and programs to meet the requirements of Title III; permit registration and streamlining programs; an aggressive rulemaking calendar related to reaching the goals outlined in the latest revision of our AQMP, and implementation of an Area Source program. Staff has continued to work with a Budget Advisory Committee made up of representatives of industry, environmental organizations, and interested public members to gain policy input and direction. It is important to continue to encourage input into the budget process from as many interested parties as possible. A public hearing gives all members of the public, as well as the Governing Board, the opportunity to provide input on the program goals/objectives for FY 1997-98. A public workshop and public hearing to adopt the budget are to be scheduled April and May respectively.

SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Goals/Objectives for 1998

(Foundation for FY 1997-98 Work Plan)

Mission Statement
The South Coast Air Quality Management District is committed to protecting public health by achieving and maintaining healthful air as required by federal and state law while being sensitive to the economic needs of the Basin’s businesses.

I. Implement, and monitor the Air Quality Management Plan.

A. Adopt and implement rules to meet Federal and California Clean Air Act targets and protect the economy of the South Coast Air Basin by avoiding potential Federal sanctions.

1. Continue to see all stakeholders as partners in air pollution reduction and seek their input into the design and implementation of AQMD policies, procedures and rules. Stakeholders include local governments, small business owners/operators and other members of the regulated community, and environmental and community leaders.

2. Continue to assess the technological advances and cost-effectiveness of command-and-control rules with future compliance deadlines, providing rule modifications when needed.

3. Continue to implement RECLAIM and develop and implement voluntary flexible programs such as the Intercredit Trading program, the Area Source Credit program, and the Air Quality Investment program.

4. Develop and implement a program to achieve emission reductions from area sources.

B. Develop information and tools to assess and respond to new federal standards for ozone and particulate matter.

1. Develop and implement procedures to modify models and emissions inventories specific to PM_2.5

2. Evaluate and identify shortfalls in informational needs, and develop processes to correct information deficiencies.

C. Improve air quality monitoring and data analysis to include information on EPA’s proposed ozone and particulate matter standards.

D. Continue to work with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board to obtain decisions/policies that reduce emissions and facilitate compliance with federal and state mandates.

1. Continue to participate in the federal consultation process.

2. Continue to participate in federal processes for the development of implementation policies for new ozone and particulate standards.

II. Achieve planned emission reductions through a compliance program consisting of air quality monitoring, source testing, permit reviews, education, inspections, and strategic use of penalties.

A. Continue to assure source compliance through traditional and innovative programs.

B. Design and implement strategic outreach programs for each new or amended rule.

C. Verify compliance through AQMD and private sector source emissions testing and laboratory analysis and continue to develop/improve test methods for rule compliance.

D. Continue reviewing adequacy of air monitoring network and modify network as appropriate, responding in particular to new federal requirements for monitoring PM _2.5. Achieve 90% or greater valid data in ambient monitoring of criteria pollutants. Fulfill EPA AIRS/AQS data reporting requirements.

E. Continue to inspect all major sources on a regular basis and provide for the timely processing of permits and the installation of Best Available Control Technology (BACT). Design self-auditing programs for smaller sources to reduce need for regular AQMD inspections.

F. Continue strategic application of criminal and civil penalties to insure fairness, consistency and deterrence, enhance the use of creative penalties to balance economic concerns with direct air pollution reduction, and seek innovative ways to reduce emissions as a part of the settlement of air pollution violations.

G. Continue working with the Home Rule Working Group to eliminate duplicative regulations and streamline the implementation of Federal, state and local air regulations.

H. Continue to streamline permitting for small businesses.

I. Continue to provide small business assistance for permitting, compliance, variances, loans, and fees.

III. Increase public, business, and government knowledge of air pollution issues and support for actions needed to attain local, state, and federal air quality standards.

A. Foster public awareness and understanding of air quality issues.

1. Design and implement strategic outreach efforts for each new or amended rule.

2. Track and publicize examples of private/public partnerships to reduce emissions.

3. Develop a coalition of stakeholders to educate the public on how individual behavior impacts air quality.

4. Support legislation to incentivize air pollution prevention and reduction.

B. Strengthen trust and build coalitions with residents, businesses, community and environmental groups, and elected representatives.

1. Continue to respond to public complaints on violations of air pollution regulations.

2. Implement the public notice and community meeting requirements of the air toxic (AB2588) program while working with facilities to reduce risk.

3. Continue to provide special localized ambient monitoring and emergency response services.

C. Continue to assist business in complying with AQMD regulations.

D. Continue to implement the Economic Development and Business Retention Program to maintain a viable economy in this Basin concurrent with the attainment of air quality standards.

IV. Develop and implement programs to promote mobile source emission reductions.

A. Continue to promote cost-effective mobile source reduction strategies by emphasizing the development of emission equivalency options and the further streamlining of administrative requirements.

B. Continue to participate in the development of a pricing mechanism with broad-based public support.

C. Support programs phasing in clean-fuel vehicles.

D. Ensure AQMD participation in the development and implementation of regional transportation policy by providing technical assistance, disseminating air quality policy information, and participating in transportation forums.

E. Monitor and evaluate emissions reductions due to voluntary rideshare efforts.

F. Enhance assistance to local governments to find ways to leverage their resources to reduce mobile source emissions.

V. Administer an efficient and cost-effective support organization consistent with achieving clean air no later than the year 2010.

A. Continue to improve cost-effectiveness of implementing AQMD programs, including implementing automated systems to streamline operations to increase compliance.

B. Administer effective human resources and development programs.

1. Continue to assure an open and fair recruitment and selection system.

2. Enhance the AQMD's Affirmative Action Plan and improve the minority applicant pool and minority representation in management.

3. Enhance technical training programs.

C. Continue the AQMD’s procurement processes to assure that minority-, woman-, and disabled veteran-owned enterprises are fairly represented in accordance with existing law.

VI. Facilitate development and transfer of new air quality-enhancing technology.

A. Encourage public/private partnerships to develop new and innovative technologies.

B. Further reduce the existing technological, economic, and commercial barriers which limit the use of clean fuels.

C. Continue to support projects to reduce volatile organic compound emissions from surface coatings and solvents.

D. Work with local, state, and federal governments to accomplish advanced technology goals.

E. Review existing regulatory requirements to discover and minimize barriers to the development and commercialization of new lower-emitting technologies.