In many parts of the country air pollution is most commonly associated with summer, and for good reason: sunlight and heat cause emissions to form ozone, or “smog,” during a time people enjoy being outdoors. So now, more than ever, mitigation efforts depend on effective communication with the millions of Americans who are planning family vacations and weekend road trips. And extra help is on the way!
We are pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program is the newest federal entity to join the Alliance for Clean Air and Transportation, a national coalition of public and private organizations that distribute It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air messages nationwide. Also, DOE's Fuel Economy Information Program became the latest group to sponsor the It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air Pooled Fund Program.
Clean Cities is a national network of local coalitions that promote alternative fuel vehicles, fuel economy, hybrids, and idle reduction to advance the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security. Through the 81 Clean Cities’ Coalitions and their 5,000 stakeholders, the It All Adds Up messages will be advocated by an additional network of clean air champions.
The It All Adds Up To Cleaner Air team is continuing its commitment to such coalitions by providing the summer materials, which are built on the themes of car maintenance, refueling and fuel-efficiency. The messages convey simple things that everyone can do, namely, refuel when it’s cool; don’t top off your tank; and use less gas by maintaining your car, reducing engine idling, keeping your tires properly inflated, and buying or renting a low-emission and fuel-efficient car. The summer materials include:
With the arrival of summer and ozone season, many of you are organizing events to encourage activities that reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Here are a few national/international events that you might want to know about:
- National Safety Month/“Crash-Free June” (National Safety Council)
- World Environment Day on June 5 (United Nations Environment Program)
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) Standing Committee on the Environment meeting from June 8-11
- National Association of Regional Councils' (NARC)
Annual Conference and Exhibition from June 25-29, that includes a workshop on the new National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and conformity rule.
DOT, EPA and DOE will continue their efforts to promote the It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air messages this summer, including:
- Making a presentation and exhibiting at the summer meeting of AASHTO’s Standing Committee on the Environment
- Facilitating an all-day workshop on the new NAAQS and conformity rule at NARC’s Annual Conference
- Working with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Coordinators, national organizations (including the American Automobile Association, AASHTO, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Car Care Council, NARC, State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators and Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials) and Maryland Public Television to promote the summer messages and encourage them to share resources and information with their members and our Community Partners
- Highlighting the materials on www.italladdsup.gov and contacting our Community Partners to solicit comments and feedback
- Continuing to offer our Community Partners and national organizations technical assistance, such as customizing the flash animation and print materials
- Contacting state departments of transportation in states with several Community Partners to encourage them to contribute to the It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air Pooled Fund Program
We hope you’ll find our tips and tools helpful in your outreach efforts this season. As always, we look forward to hearing from you about the ways you adapt the materials, as well as your success in reaching your target audience(s). We especially encourage you to submit an application by August 16 for a 2005 Federal Highway Administration Environmental Excellence Award!
Also, please let us know if you have ideas for future seasonal materials – we continue to rely on you for feedback as we look for ways to improve the initiative. Please send us a note to let us know what you’re thinking!
