| The DEQ is seeking public input on the State Implementation Plan for
Particulate Matter (PM10) in the Medford-Ashland Air Quality Maintenance
Area (AQMA). The plan demonstrates that the Medford area will continue to
meet the PM10 standards through at least 2015. The plan will be submitted
to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval with a
request that the legal status of the area be changed from non-attainment
(non-compliant) to attainment (compliant).
As noted in the Memorandum from State of Oregon DEQ which Council received
at the December 15 meeting, there are two options that could be included
in the proposed attainment plan: Emissions Offset (option #1) and Growth
Allowance (option #2). Emission Offset retains the current stringent restrictions
on the amount of particulate matter pollution that can be emitted by major
industry. The Growth Allowance allows major industry to emit a greater amount
of particulate matter and yet that allowance is still below Federal levels.
Currently the proposed DEQ plan includes the Growth Allowance option and
not the Emissions Offset allowance.
Arguments have been made that the Emissions Offset option is too restrictive
and is a deterrent for attracting new industrial businesses to the Rogue
Valley or the expansion of existing industrial businesses. Supporters of
the Growth Allowance option believe that the greater flexibility in PM10
emissions could attract new industrial growth to the area or stimulate the
expansion of existing industrial businesses.
Supporters of the Emission Offset option point out that the improved air
quality in the Rogue Valley contributes to the high quality of life in the
area. Relaxing the current restrictions risks degrading air quality in the
valley and could have an impact on public health.
It is important that the plan move ahead so that the legal status can be
changed to attainment. The plan establishes an emissions budget to cap future
motor vehicle PM10 emissions. The budget is used to ensure Transportation
Conformity within the plan. Under conformity, emissions resulting overall
from motor vehicle use cannot exceed the allowable level established in the
air quality plan. This also assures that transportation related air quality
strategies are funded and implemented during the transportation planning
process. Failure to conform can seriously delay or jeopardize Federal funding
for important transportation projects. The emissions budget established through
this plan will govern the conformity analysis of each update to the Rogue
Valley Region's Transportation Plan for the next eight to ten years. The
largest emissions growth over the next twelve years is expected in motor
vehicles. |
