The Regional Ozone Early Action Compact(EAC) was adopted in February 2004. The EAC outlines voluntary strategies to improve air quality before the region is designated as a traditional non-attainment area by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EAC led to the development of the Roanoke Valley Area Early Action Plan(EAP). Click here for a copy of the EAC and EAP-large 6MB file
The Environmental Protection Agency is working with communities to get clean air as soon as possible by entering into Early Action Compacts to reduce ground-level ozone pollution. Communities with Early Action Compacts will start reducing air pollution at least two years earlier than required by the Clean Air Act. This process began in our area in December of 2002, when elected officials representing the cities of Salem and Roanoke, the counties of Roanoke and Botetourt, and the town of Vinton formed an Early Action Compact with representatives of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA.
The participating localities, as well as numerous private sector organizations/companies within the Early Action Plan Study Area, have committed to measures aimed at reducing emissions which contribute to ozone. The Early Action Compact requires the region to:
- Develop and implement air pollution control strategies;
- Account for emissions growth, and;
- Achieve and maintain the national 8-hour ozone standard
The goal of the process is to realize attainment of the 8-hour air quality standard no later than December 31, 2007. Every six months, progress reports are compiled.
June 2003
December 2003
June 2004
December 2004
June 2005
December 2005
June 2006
December 2006
June 2007
For more information, see the links below or contact Mark McCaskill.
What is Ozone? (EPA)
Roanoke Valley Ozone Early Action Compact and Plan(voluntary/local governments)6MB file
Roanoke Clean Air Plan-State Implementation Plan (SIP)
Learn more about air quality and things you can do to help by visiting RideSolutions
