HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1982/07/29 Item 1
COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
ITEM TITHE:
Item ''~'~'
~- r
Meeting Date
Resolution /O 9G~xpressing support for Board of Supervisors' position
on the Federal Clean Air Act
SUBMITTE BY: Director of Planning (4/5ths Vote: Yes No X )
The Co my Board of Supervisors, sitting as the San Diego Air Pollution Control Board,
has ad pted a rather detailed position paper on the Federal Clean Air Act, which is
Curren ly before Congress for reauthorization. The Board is now requesting that the
cities within the region adopt a similar position.
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RECOMM~[~QATION: That Council:
Adopt resolution expressing support for Board of Supervisors' position
on the Federal Clean Air Act, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
BOARD/ OMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Not applicable.
DISCUS ION
Accord ng to the position paper, the reauthorization of the Federal Clean Air Act will
face s veral amendments designed to compromise its basic goals and objectives, and reverse
the to hnological advances and air quality achievements which have been fostered by its
provis ons. A particularly strong move is under way, according to the report, to drastic-
ally r lax motor vehicle emission and performance standards in order to assist the ailing
auto i dustry.
While he Board advocates several changes to elements of the Act that, in their words,
have p oven ineffective, unworkable or unnecessarily complex in a regulatory and adminis-
trativ sense, their basic position is to oppose any changes that would reduce the funda-
mental purpose and effectiveness of the Act.
In sup ort of their position, the Board cites not only the substantial improvements which
have o curred in our region's air quality as a result of the current Act's requirements,
but al o studies that have concluded that the Clean Air Act requirements have had an
insign ficant impact on the economy in general and the auto industry's current woes in
partic lar. It is also noted that recent public opinion surveys reflect overwhelming
public support for the Clean Air Act.
Follow~ng is a prepared summary of the Board's position statements. The full text of the
positi n paper is attached as Exhibit A.
He
adequa
best a
1.~ Ambient Air Quality Standards:
lth related standards should continue to be based on health concerns with an
e margin of safety, but without consideration of cost. The issues of cost are
dressed by local government when selecting control strategies.
continued
Form A-1'
13 (Rev. 11./79)
Page 2, Item 10
Meeting Date 6/1/82
2.
and i
ified
State Implementation Plan (SIP):
yin SIP concept, but recognize the role of local governmental bodies in adopting
lementing implementation plans, Require EPA to act on the plans within a spec-
~riod of time.
3.1 Attainment Deadlines:
Allow the EPA Administrator to extend the 1982 attainment date by no more than five
years, provided all reasonably available control measures including motor vehicle
inspec ion and maintenance program are implemented along an agreed upon time schedule.
4.1 New Source Review:
En ure that requirements do not unnecessarily shift growth away from urban areas,
retain emission offset requirements for nonattainment areas, and apply Best Available
Control Technology to sources emitting more than 50 tons a year.
5. Enforcement:
Am nd the Act to define the enforcement role of EPA as one of oversight and audit.
Provid EPA authority to intervene were states/locals fail to act. Allow state and
local gencies to issue variances up to one year without the need for revision to the
implem ntation plan.
6. Mobile Sources:
Em ssion standards for motor vehicles should not be relaxed, as motor vehicles are
the ma or contributors to air quality problems. Retain a state's authority to establish
vehicl emission standards.
7. ~ Transportation Controls:
Re ove the mandatory requirement for transportation control measures as those
measu s provide insignificant emission reductions.
8.~ Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance:
Mo or vehicle inspection and maintenance program can provide substantial emission
re duct ons at a reasonable cost. The program should be implemented as a local option,
but no federally mandated.
9.
Au'
Safety
genera'
of some
10
Indoor Air Pollution:
;horize EPA to conduct research and, if necessary, the federal Occupational
and Health Administration should regulate prevention of indoor pollution. People
Ily spend more than seventy percent of their time indoors where air concentrations
pollutants exceed health related ambient standards.
Hazardous Pollutants:
In rease funding, accelerate listing, standard setting and emission control
has be n very slow in regulatory hazardous pollutants.
" ay~~
EPA
Page 3, Item _ ~~
Meeting Date 6/1/82
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11 .I
Pr
suffic
plans
ANALYS
Taken
The ba
are en
state
where
underl
strong
econom
Due to
issues
invite
SSG:hm
Long Range Transport and Acid Deposition:
ride clear authority to the Clean Air Act for control of acid deposition, provide
ant funding for additional research, and require states to develop and implement
>r abatement of acid deposition.
gether, the Board's several position statements appear entirely supportable.
c purpose of the Clean Air Act and its most effective standards and controls
rsed, while changes are proposed which would streamline procedures, increase
d local control and flexibility, abolish ineffective control measures, and,
propriate, expand the Act's authority. I concur completely with the Board's
ng position that the national commitment to achieve healthful air quality is
nd fundamental, and should not be compromised by transitory political or
considerations, whether real or imagined.
the technical nature of many of the position statements and the complexity of the
involved, a representative from the Air Pollution Control District staff has been
to attend the Council meeting and address any technical inquiries that may arise.
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BATES
FOURTH DISTRICT
4, 1982
norable Gregory Cox
yor, City of Chula Vista
6 Fourth Avenue
ula Vista, CA 92010
Clean Air Act Reauthorization
ar Mayor Cox:
you probably know the Federal Clean Air Act is up for reauthorization. The
ngress is in the midst of a debate on the direction the Nation should pursue
ncerning protection of public health and welfare from air pollution. That
rection will be reflected in amendments to the Act. Since any amendments
uld impact air pollution control efforts in the San Diego region, and thereby
e citizens in the region, it is necessary that we convey our position on air
ality issues to the Congress.
e San Diego County Board of Supervisors has recently taken a formal position
various air quality issues facing the nation today. The attached report con-
ins the Board's position. I request, on behalf of the Board, that the City
uncil adopt a similar position.
you have questions regarding the issues addressed in the attached report,
ease feel free to contact Mr. Paul Sidhu at 565-3940.
incerely,
I BATES, Chairman
oard of Supervisors
r
ttachment
c: City Manager
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1600 Pacific Highway San Diego, California 92101 236-2282
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