Benefits of the "Quit Coal by 2014" scenario --- 3. Less Ozone

by: chris_searles

Thu Oct 22, 2009 at 09:06 AM CDT

Commissioner Huber explains,

"First, going into nonattainment would subject us to a slew of new rules and regulations that could hang over our heads for up to 20 years after we return to air quality compliance. These regulations would create a lag effect on everything, from higher energy bills for households to creation of new businesses, as well as more expensive transportation projects (that you finance).

Second, "Nonattainment would require us to cede local control of transportation projects to state and federal oversight regulations. Conforming to their regulations would create longer construction times and higher construction costs.

Third, "... our businesses could be subject to much harsher oversight than they currently enjoy... Nonattainment regulations would subject power plants to higher emissions standards, resulting in higher electricity bills. Gasoline might have to be reformulated before it can be used to fuel our vehicles, and your car would be required to pass stringent emissions testing."

"It is a literally a matter of one or two parts per billion whether we violate the federal health standard on ozone," says Jim Marston, board chair of the Clean Air Force of Central Texas.

Measurement of Austin's ozone count today, Oct. 22 2009, 6am to 7am, shows Austin as highest in the region, edging out San Antonio by about 7 parts per billion.

Before leaving office, Mayor Will Wynn said failure to meet federal ozone air quality standards would have heavy costs for the local economy, increasing operating expenses for Austin's transportation industry,  businesses and government. He also said that the highest cost is to the health of Central Texas citizens. (2)

Financial Impacts
According to the Daily Texan, June 24, 2009, ozone non-attainment could bring federal restrictions that may last up to 20 years, the Austin American Statesman has reported "nonattainment" could mean fines. (3, 4)   County Commissioner Karen Hubner, recently mapped out nonattainment's economic impacts:  "The implications are huge and will cost taxpayers a lot of money. She lists a number of areas of impact to both citizens and businesses: