 |
Environmental News Brief |  |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following news "briefs" highlight recent news regarding transportation-related environmental issues, primarily air quality, affecting the Baltimore region. Please note that this brief is not all inclusive of the variety and magnitude of activities in the region. It is intended for informational purposes only; refer to the source, guidance, or program for additional information.
On March 12, EPA issued a revised federal standard for ground-level ozone pollution, which is stricter than the previous standard. Instead of being 0.08 parts per million (ppm), it is now 0.075 ppm. The EPA decided on this new standard after reviewing more than 1,700 new scientific studies. EPA is scheduled to issue designations on whether areas reach the standards (attainment, nonattainment, or unclassifiable) by March 2010. If there is insufficient information, this will be extended to March 2011. Ground-level ozone is not directly emitted, but is formed in the atmosphere from volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, under sunlight and heat. According to the EPA's Air Quality Guide for Ozone, this type of pollution can:
At their March 25 meeting, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board approved a list of six projects for federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funding, to total $1 million in federal funds. These projects, chosen for the FY 2008 round of funding, will include two signal timing projects, the purchase of hybrid gasoline- electric bucket trucks, a hybrid diesel-electric transit bus, diesel retrofits and funding for a transportation management association. For more information on the FY 2008 BRTB CMAQ Competitive Selection Process, e-mail the CMAQ Coordinator at CMAQinfo@baltimoremetro.org.
EPA Region 3 has issued a Request for Proposals for diesel emission reduction projects, and will implement a competitive selection process. Included in Region 3 are Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Total estimated funding for this is approximately $3.1 million. It is anticipated that 5 to 10 awards ranging from $200,000 to $1,000,000 will be made. Proposals will not be reviewed if requested funds are less than $200,000 or greater than $1,000,000. On April 29, 2008, EPA Region 3 will host a question and answer session teleconference from 10:30 am to noon in reference to their RFP for the Mid-Atlantic Clean Diesel Implementation Program (RFP#: EPA- R3APD-08-0201). People interested in the teleconference can dial (866) 299-3188 and use passcode 2158145616# when prompted by the operator. The deadline for receipt of proposals is June 13, 2008.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board has released a first draft list of projects submitted for the FY 2009-2012 Transportation Improvement Program. The TIP is a list of transportation priorities and projects that are requesting federal funding over the next four years. A public review period is being held from April 16 to May 19, 2008. The public is invited to review and submit comment on the proposed projects by Monday, May 19, 2008.
Concerned about higher gas prices? Considering another option, such as purchasing a hybrid car? The Orlando Sentinel is providing an online interactive calculator to help you figure out whether a hybrid car is the right choice for you.
The Potential Impacts of Global Sea Level Rise on Transportation Infrastructure This November 2007 ICF report provides rough estimates of how the U.S. East Coast transportation infrastructure may be affected by climate change in the future, specifically sea level rise and storm surge. This report includes the first of two phases of this study and focuses on the progress made in the first year. The first phase focuses on North Carolina, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. The second phase will look at New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, South Carolina, Georgia, and the Atlantic coast of Florida. Click to access information about the report. National Capital Region: Best Practices and Policies to Reduce Greenhouse Gases In February, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) published a report documenting the results of a survey of local governments in the metropolitan Washington region regarding their initiatives to reduce local contributions to greenhouse gases. This survey, performed by COG's Institute for Regional Excellence (IRE) Climate Change Team, and the resulting report document a collection of "best practices" for that region.
Green Home Tour The Baltimore Green Home Tour, created by City Life Realty, will showcase green homes in Baltimore. Visit Click here for information on how to register for your free tickets. PM2.5 SIP Public Hearing On April 30, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will hold a public hearing on a State Implementation Plan (SIP) addressing the federal PM2.5 standard for the Baltimore, Maryland Nonattainment Area, which includes Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, and Baltimore City. For more information click here. Red Line Community Summit Mayor Sheila Dixon and the City of Baltimore invite you to imagine the opportunities of Baltimore's Red Line at the Red Line Community Summit at the Baltimore Convention Center Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 8 a.m. Register by April 25 and receive a free transit pass to attend the event or free parking. For more information or to find out how to register click here or call 410-396-6856. Clean Air and Energy Independence Conference The National Alternative Fuel Training Consortium and other industry leaders are hosting the Clean Air and Energy Independence Conference. The conference will provide for industry interaction, networking, and education on next generation vehicle technology. Click for more information. Stay tuned for a special edition of the Environmental News Brief focused on Clean Commute Month events for May! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |