Houston gets EPA greenhouse gas grant

Also announces permit program

Jon Boyd, Sep 21, 10.

The Enivronmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on September 7 that Houston would be one of several cities receiving grants to reduce greenhouse gases under the Climate Showcase Communities initiative, according to an agency press release:

The City of Houston is receiving $423,069 to reduce transportation related emissions through development of electric vehicle and bicycle infrastructure. The proposal calls for the City to 1) develop an electric vehicle charging infrastructure to be used by both city vehicles and commercial or residential vehicles, 2) implement a bike-share program, and 3) improve the existing bike infrastructure by using solar-powered LED lighting on bike paths to improve safety. The project has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower air pollutants. Houston [region] does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone pollution, so reducing nitrogen oxides is an important part of this project.

[snip]

“Houston and Albuquerque are leading the way with innovative projects to help EPA with our goal to reduce greenhouse gases,” said Al Armendariz, EPA Region 6 Administrator. “By leveraging federal dollars, they are launching projects that will improve the environment and create jobs.”

EPA will monitor the progress of grant recipients and post individual quarterly updates online.

Texas belongs to EPA Region 6, which also includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and all Native American Reservations within the outer boundaries of the region.

In other Region 6 news, EPA announced a voluntary audit program to help Flexible Permit holders to bring them into compliance with the Clean Air Act:

“Our main objective is to get each and every permit holder a federally approved permit issued by the TCEQ,” said Regional Administrator Al Armendariz. “The program benefits companies by providing liability protection, and benefits communities by identifying clear enforceable pollution limits and developing projects to mitigate past environmental impacts. It’s a real win-win.” The Audit Program is available for 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Advance copy of the program (pdf, 65kb)
Draft audit agreement (pdf, 140 kb)