Regional Air Quality Planning

In FY 96-97, this Region’s five county non-attainment area composed of Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson and Williamson counties were redesignated as having attained acceptable levels for ozone by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. This designation means that these counties are placed in a maintenance classification. This classification requires that certain programs, such as auto emissions testing, must stay in place in order to "maintain" the quality of the Region’s air. In July of 1997, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized new regulations for ozone and particulate matter.

The Council continues to monitor the following:

• EPA’s process in granting attainment status to these counties;
• Local and state governments’ efforts in improving the Region’s air quality;
• Implementation of the GNRC assisted plan for the vehicle inspection and maintenance program;
• Development process and text of EPA’s new standards for ozone and particulate matter;
• Evaluation of what these new standards may mean to this Region.