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BOARD MEETING DATE: February 12, 1999 AGENDA NO. 33

PROPOSAL:

Public Hearing to Receive Public Input on Executive Officer’s Proposed Program Goals/Objectives for FY 1999-00

SYNOPSIS:

A set of Program Goals/Objectives for FY 1999-00 has been developed. The Executive Officer wishes to receive public and Board member input on these proposed Program Goals/Objectives as they will serve as the foundation for the AQMD’s FY 1999-00 Budget and Work Program.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Set a Public Hearing May 14,1999 to adopt the FY 1999-00 AQMD Budget.

Barry Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

At the January 8, 1999 Board meeting, staff transmitted to the Board and public the AQMD’s Program Goals/Objectives for FY 1999-00. It is important for as many interested parties as possible to have early input into the budget process. Therefore, staff requested that a public hearing on this matter be scheduled for the February 12, 1999 meeting of the Board.

Attached are the Program Goals/Objectives transmitted last month. These goals, which may be modified as a result of public input and Board direction, will be used in developing next year’s work program and budget request. A public workshop has been tentatively planned for April 15, 1999 to present the AQMD’s budget request and Work Program for FY 1999-00.

Attachment

Goals and Objectives for FY 1999-00

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SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Goals/Objectives for 1999-00
(Foundation for FY 1999-00 Work Plan)

GOALS

I. Ensure expeditious progress toward clean air.

II. Ensure equitable treatment for all District communities.

III. Operate efficiently and in a manner sensitive to District businesses.

OBJECTIVES

I. ENSURE EXPEDITIOUS PROGRESS TOWARD CLEAN AIR

A. Develop, implement, and monitor the Air Quality Management Plan.

1. Adopt and implement rules, programs, and policies that will expeditiously meet federal and California Clean Air Act targets and will protect the economy of the District by avoiding potential federal sanctions.
2. Continue to embrace all stakeholders as partners in air pollution reduction and ensure their involvement in the design and implementation of AQMD policies, procedures, and rules. Stakeholders include, but are not limited to, local and state governments, small business owners/operators, other members of the regulated community, environmental and community leaders, and the general public.
3. Work with U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board to obtain a proportionate fair share of federal grant and state monies to fund essential programs.
4. Continue to assess the technological advances and cost-effectiveness of command-and-control rules with future compliance deadlines, providing rule modifications when needed; and assess incentive based programs.
5. Continue to monitor RECLAIM and develop and implement voluntary flexible programs such as the Intercredit Trading, the Area Source Credits, and the Air Quality Investment programs. Continue to work with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board to obtain decisions/policies that reduce emissions in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.
6. Continue to seek reasonable implementation approaches for Title III (air toxics) and Title V (operating permits) of the federal Clean Air Act.
   
   b. Continue to seek timely federal approval of AQMPs and AQMD rules.
   c. Continue to seek feasible control of pollution sources under the sole jurisdiction of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and/or California Air Resources Board.
   d. Continue to participate in federal processes for the development of implementation policies for new ozone and particulate standards.

7. Develop information and tools to assess and respond to new federal standards for ozone and particulate matter.
   
   a. Develop and implement procedures to modify models and emissions inventories specific to PM_2.5 and 8-hour ozone averages.
   b. Evaluate and identify shortfalls in informational needs, and develop processes to correct information deficiencies.

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

1. Continue reviewing adequacy of the air monitoring network and modify the network as appropriate, responding to new federal requirements for monitoring PM _2.5.
   
   a. Achieve 90% or greater valid data in ambient monitoring of criteria pollutants.
   b. Fulfill U. S. Environmental Protection Agency AIRS/AQS (Aerometric Information and Retrieval System/Air Quality Subsystem) data reporting requirements.
   c. Conduct special air monitoring programs to support the Environmental Justice Initiatives, 2000 AQMP, and other policy objectives.
2. Verify compliance through AQMD and private sector source emissions testing and laboratory analysis and continue to develop/improve test methods for rule compliance.
   
3. Design and implement strategic outreach programs for the federal Title V (operating permits) permitting program and Title III (air toxics) Air Toxic program, and each new or amended AQMD rule.
4. Continue to provide source education programs and classes.
5. Enhance inspection of sources on a regular basis through community-based deployment of field personnel.
6. Provide for the timely processing of permits and determination of Best Available Control Technology (BACT) or Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER).
7. Implement priority recommendations from the Permit Streamlining Task Force and Permit Streamlining Consultant Study.
8. Continue rule compliance audits to evaluate the effectiveness of projected emissions reductions, control technology and monitoring, reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
9. Continue to respond to community complaints, resolve public nuisance concerns with the affected businesses, and seek community input on local air quality concerns.
10. Continue strategic application of criminal and civil penalties to ensure 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.
11. Continually reevaluate rules to ensure fairness and equity in the application of air quality requirements on businesses.

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

1. Continue work to eliminate duplicative regulations and to streamline implementation of federal, state, and local air regulations.
2. Continue to provide small business assistance for permitting, compliance, variances, and loans.
3. Foster public awareness and understanding of air quality issues.
   
   a. Design and implement strategic outreach efforts for AQMD programs.
   b. Track and publicize examples of private/public partnerships to reduce emissions.
   c. 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, especially in the area of diesel emissions.
5. Strengthen trust and build coalitions with residents, businesses, community and environmental groups, and elected representatives.
6. Continue to assist business in complying with AQMD regulations.
7. Enhance customer service training programs for AQMD staff.

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

1. Continue to promote cost-effective mobile source reduction strategies, especially for diesel-powered vehicles.
2. Develop, sponsor, and support programs encouraging the increased use of clean-fuel vehicles.
3. Continue to participate in the development of a pricing mechanism with broad-based public support and continue to support existing credit rules.
4. Enhance assistance to local governments to find ways to leverage their resources to reduce mobile source emissions.
5. 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.
6. Continue to improve implementation of Rule 2202 by emphasizing the development of emission equivalency options and further streamlining of administrative and technical requirements.
7. Monitor and evaluate emissions reductions due to voluntary rideshare efforts.

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

1. Encourage public/private partnerships to develop new and innovative technologies.
2. Further reduce the existing technological, economic, and commercial barriers which limit the use of clean fuels and technologies.
3. Continue to support projects to reduce volatile organic compound emissions from surface coatings and solvents.
4. Work with local, state, and federal governments to accomplish advanced technology goals.
5. Review existing regulatory requirements to discover and minimize barriers to the development and commercialization of new lower-emitting technologies.
6. Work with stakeholders and members of the Legislature to obtain reauthorization of the Clean Fuels program.

II. ENSURE EQUITABLE TREATMENT FOR ALL COMMUNITIES IN THE SOUTH COAST DISTRICT

A. Ensure implementation of the ten Environmental Justice Initiatives that provide a strategy to ensure that clean air benefits are accorded to all residents and communities of the South Coast District.

B. Ensure implementation of the Children's Air Quality Agenda initiatives to complement the Environmental Justice Initiatives.

C. Ensure implementation of the recommendations of the ad hoc Inland Empire Committee to enhance AQMD's ongoing activities and programs, especially as relates to the Inland Empire.

III. OPERATE EFFICIENTLY AND IN A MANNER SENSITIVE TO

DISTRICT BUSINESSES

A. Administer an efficient and cost-effective support organization consistent with expeditiously achieving clean air while being sensitive to the economic needs of the District's businesses.

1. Seek innovative partnerships and programs to assure source compliance and minimize compliance costs.
2. Develop a balanced budget based on appropriate cost-of-service factors to ensure that the agency operates on a budget of expenditures that do not exceed revenues.
   
   a. Review current expense allocations and revenue sources to determine if and where inequities exist.
   b. Develop fee revenue sources to ensure that all sources pay a fair share for permitting and field compliance support services, while ensuring that the AQMD provides efficient, fair and consistent delivery of service.
   
3. Reduce fee complexity and adjust fees to better serve District businesses, including evaluation of replacing current fee system with alternative approaches.
4. Strategically target agency resources to environmental and economic priorities.
   
   a. Continue to identify equipment and processes which can be removed from the permit process without negatively impacting air quality.
   b. Continue to streamline permitting, especially for small businesses and small emitters.
   c. Prioritize field activities based on potential environmental benefit.
   
5. Continue vigorous efforts with U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to streamline the implementation of Title III (air toxics), including local program delegation from U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to the state and the AQMD.

B. Continue to improve cost-effectiveness of implementing AQMD programs.

1. Review AQMD systems and processes to identify opportunities for streamlining and increasing efficiency.
2. Identify new areas for outsourcing and partnership to reduce costs and maintain a high level of professionalism in AQMD programs.

C. Administer effective human resources and development programs.

1. Continue to assure an open and fair recruitment and selection system.
2. Continue the AQMD's Affirmative Action efforts, in accordance with existing law, and improve the minority applicant pool for open positions.
3. Enhance technical training and customer service training programs.
4. Review the skills, management and deployment of current staff and implement measures to increase efficiency and productivity.

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

E. Recognize and enhance the special contributions, skills and creativity of the AQMD workforce.

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