SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Goals/Objectives for 2000-01
(Foundation for FY 2000-01 Work Plan)

   I. ENSURE EXPEDITIOUS PROGRESS TOWARD CLEAN AIR
  II. ENSURE EQUITABLE TREATMENT FOR ALL COMMUNITIES
 III. OPERATE EFFICIENTLY AND IN A MANNER SENSITIVE TO 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 and involve all stakeholders as partners in reducing air pollution. 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 all residents.
   
   
3. Work with the U. S. Congress, California Legislature, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, and California Air Resources Board to obtain a proportionate fair share of funding for essential programs.
   
   
4. Assess the technological advances and cost-effectiveness of rules with future compliance dates and provide modifications when needed; and assess incentive-based programs.
   
   
5. Develop and implement voluntary flexible programs such as the Intercredit Trading, the Area Source Credits, and the Air Quality Investment programs, and continue to monitor RECLAIM.
   
   
6. Continue to work with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board to reduce emissions.

1. Seek reasonable implementation approaches for Title III (Air Toxics) and Title V (Operating Permits) of the federal Clean Air Act.
   
   
2. Seek timely federal approval of our air plan and rules.
   
   
3. Seek expeditious and feasible control of pollution sources under the sole jurisdiction of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and/or California Air Resources Board.
   
   
4. Continue to participate in federal processes for implementation policies for new ozone and particulate standards, air toxics, environmental justice, and economic incentive programs.

B. Achieve emission reductions through a compliance program that includes air 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 or modified federal requirements.

1. Achieve 90% or greater valid data in ambient monitoring of criteria pollutants, following monitoring procedures established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
   
   

2. Fulfill U. S. Environmental Protection Agency AIRS/AQS (Aerometric Information and Retrieval System/Air Quality Subsystem) data reporting requirements.
   
   

3. Conduct special air monitoring programs to support the policy objectives established by the Governing Board.
   
   

4. Work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that the PM_2.5 monitoring program is fully funded through Section 103 Grant funds.
   

2. Verify compliance through AQMD and private sector source emissions testing, field sampling and laboratory analysis; and continue to develop/improve test methods for rule compliance.
   
   
3. Design and implement strategic outreach programs for the federal programs and each new or amended AQMD rule.
   
   
4. Continue to provide source education programs and classes.
   
   
5. Enhance inspections through community-based deployment of field personnel.
   
   
6. Promptly process permits and determine Best Available Control Technology (BACT) or Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER).
   
   
7. Implement priority recommendations from the Permit Streamlining and Recordkeeping Task Forces.
   
   
8. Continue rule compliance audits to evaluate rule effectiveness, respond to community complaints, resolve public nuisance concerns with the affected businesses and community, and seek public input on air quality concerns.
   
   
9. Continue strategic application of civil penalties and criminal referrals to ensure deterrence and fairness, and use supplemental environmental projects (‘‘creative penalties’’) to promote environmental auditing and pollution prevention, reduction, and remediation.
   
   
10. Continually evaluate rules to ensure that the business community is treated fairly and equitably.

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

1. Work to eliminate duplicative regulations and to streamline implementation of federal, state, and local air regulations.
   
   
2. Provide small business assistance for permitting, compliance, variances, and loans.
   
   
3. Foster public awareness and understanding of air quality issues.

1. Continue to find effective ways to involve nonregulated public in developing the rules and policies that affect them.
   
   

2. Maintain liaisons with stakeholders to educate the public on the effects of air quality.

   
   

4. Support legislation to incentivize air pollution prevention and reduction, especially in the area of diesel emissions.
   
   

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

6. Assist business in complying with AQMD regulations.

7. Strive for excellent customer service.

D. Promote programs to reduce mobile emissions.

1. Promote emission reductions from diesel-powered vehicles.
   
   
2. Develop, sponsor, and support programs encouraging the increased use of clean-fuel vehicles and engines.
   
   
3. Support the development of existing and new mobile source credit rules.
   
   
4. Assist local governments in reducing mobile emissions.
   
   
5. Participate in the development and implementation of regional transportation policy by providing technical assistance, disseminating air quality policy information, and participating in transportation forums.
   
   
6. Improve implementation of Rule 2202 by further streamlining administrative and technical requirements.
   
   
7. Provide AB 2766 technical assistance and guidance to local governments that will result in cost-effective programs that reduce mobile source emissions.
   
   
8. Work with the ARB to secure and distribute funds to reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines.

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

1. Encourage public/private partnerships to develop new and innovative technologies.
   
   
2. Reduce financial and technological barriers that limit the use of clean fuels and technologies.
   
   
3. Support projects to reduce emissions from surface coatings and solvents.
   
   
4. Work with all stakeholders to accomplish advanced technology goals.
   
   
5. Review existing regulatory requirements to minimize barriers to the development and commercialization of new lower-emitting technologies.

F. Participate in air agency coordination groups such as CAPCOA¹ and STAPPA/ALAPCO² for common air quality goals and objectives.
¹California Air Pollution Control Officers' Association
²State & Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators/Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officers

G. Implement the Governing Board's policy objectives and goals as specified in the Board's Millennium Retreat and other Board directives.

 

 II. ENSURE EQUITABLE TREATMENT FOR ALL COMMUNITIES

A. Continue to implement AQMD's Environmental Justice policies and programs,

B. Continue to implement the Children's Air Quality Agenda Initiatives.

C. Implement the Senior's Air Quality Initiatives.

D. Continue to implement the recommendations of the ad hoc Inland Empire Committee.

 

III. OPERATE EFFICIENTLY AND IN A MANNER SENSITIVE TO BUSINESSES

A. Administer an efficient and cost-effective organization to expeditiously clean the air, and be sensitive to the economic needs of the AQMD's businesses.

1. Seek innovative partnerships and programs to ensure compliance and minimize compliance costs.
   
   
2. Develop a balanced budget

1. Review expenses and revenues to determine if and where inequities exist.
   
   
2. 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 fee schedules as appropriate.

4. Target agency resources to environmental and economic priorities.

1. Continue to identify equipment and processes that can be removed from the permit process without negatively impacting air quality.
   
   
2. Continue to streamline permitting, especially for small businesses and small emitters.
   
   
3. Prioritize rule, permitting and enforcement activities based on potential environmental benefit.

5. Continue efforts with U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to streamline the implementation of Title III (air toxics).

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

1. Review AQMD processes to identify opportunities for streamlining.
   
   
2. Identify new areas for outsourcing and partnership to reduce costs and maintain a high level of professionalism in AQMD programs.
   
   
3. Ensure that AQMD delivers service at lowest cost.

C. Administer effective human resources and development programs.

1. Continue to assure an open and fair recruitment and selection system.
   
   
2. Continue, in accordance with existing law, AQMD's Affirmative Action efforts to improve the minority applicant pool for open positions.
   
   
3. Undertake a systematic review of position allocations and job classifications to ensure employees are appropriately classified and job classifications are up-to-date and meet current work needs.
   
   
4. Review the skills, management and deployment of current staff and continue to seek ways to increase efficiency and productivity.

D. Continue the AQMD’s procurement processes to ensure 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.