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AACOG, TCEQ, Legislators, and COSA work to preserve, improve Air Quality

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), along with the tireless assistance of State Representative Lyle Larson, are working together to implement additional air quality projects to benefit the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA is one of the largest areas in the nation still designated as in attainment for all federal air quality standards, and the goal of the state and local partners is to maintain that designation. 

"We are pleased that TCEQ and AACOG are working together toward the shared goal of improving air quality in the San Antonio region and look forward to staying involved in the process to ensure we avoid nonattainment," said Rep. Larson.

The San Antonio region currently has in place a substantial infrastructure of air quality monitors, volunteer air quality controls, and other projects aimed at analyzing and improving air quality. 

To better understand and proactively improve air quality in the area, the TCEQ and AACOG are implementing additional projects that will provide:

• A list of local voluntary or mandatory control measures available to reduce ozone precursors in the city, including control strategy, cost, and expected emission reductions at the request of the City of San Antonio (cost expected to be ($40,000-$70,000);
• A compilation of information on costs associated with ozone non-attainment status;
• New ozone analyzers to replace broken units at AACOG’s air quality monitors ($19,000)
• Funding for AACOG to estimate emissions from San Antonio area industrial fuel combustion sources ($16,000); and 
• Funding for AACOG to update the emission inventory for traditional oil and gas wellheads in the San Antonio area ($32,500).

Referring to the control measure analysis, City Councilman Ray Lopez said, “With the San Antonio region facing a possible non-attainment designation, this is an important step that allows the City to identify meaningful ways to reduce harmful pollutants in our air. For the continued health and well-being of our citizens, the time to act towards improving our air quality is now.”
The San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA is receiving more than $1.2 million in state funding in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 for air quality projects.  AACOG, TCEQ, Representative Larson, the City of San Antonio and other organizations and individuals are actively working together to preserve and improve air quality in the San Antonio metropolitan area.