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Ozone Alert! Program Case Study

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Prior to the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments in 1990, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area was designated as attainment for all National Ambient Air Quality Standards, including ozone. In the summer of 1991, however, Tulsa twice exceeded the ozone standard. (Four or more incidents within a three-year period cause a re-designation to non-attainment.) In response, a group of concerned public officials, citizens, and industry leaders met to create the nation's first Ozone Alert! Program. The purpose of the program was to prevent further incidents through voluntary emission reductions on days when the likelihood of a violation of the standard was high.

The program is coordinated by the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG), a local government planning agency, and consists of three components:

Approximately 350 businesses voluntarily participate in the program.

If atmospheric conditions indicate the likelihood of excessive ozone formation on the following day, the Tulsa City/County Health Department issues an ozone alert by 3:00 p.m. INCOG, through a facsimile service, contacts the 350 business participants before their employees leave work for the day. Employers encourage their employees to limit driving on the next day, through carpooling, telecommuting, using public transportation, or by working a flexible schedule. Some companies offer free bus passes, while others offer matching funding, creating a financial incentive to use public transit. In addition, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation installs a variable message board on major commuter expressways on the day before an alert, to remind drivers to consider other commuting options. When funding is available, bus rides on ozone alert days are free.

Business participants in the Ozone Alert! Program also contribute in other ways. For example, aerospace manufacturers voluntarily cease painting operations, while local governments and some private companies curtail lawn mowing and landscaping activities.

In addition, there is substantial media coverage of ozone alert days. Local meteorologists feature the announcement on the evening weather reports, and local television stations play public service announcements to publicize the program and the need for reductions. Reaching out to establish good relations with the media is key to a successful voluntary action effort.

Tulsa's efforts were successful in that no further violations of the standard occurred, and the area was able to retain its attainment status. The public has become well informed about air quality issues, and on ozone alert days bus usage increases significantly.

Model Rule

No rule was required. Participation is strictly voluntary. Funding is provided by the public sector and by private contributions.

Quantification

EPA is currently working with an advisory group to prepare quantification protocols for ozone alert programs. In Tulsa, the main factor was the ozone level.

Further Information

For further information on the Tulsa Ozone Alert! Program, contact Rhonda Jeffries, Tulsa City/County Health Department, 918 488-8895.

Similar Programs

Ozone alert programs are very popular, and are on-going in many communities. Here are some:

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