Title
Approving a resolution and providing a letter of partnership for the Capital Area Council of Governments' application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek funding to establish additional air quality monitoring in Central Texas.
Summary
As a general member of the Clean Air Coalition (CAC), Pflugerville supports the regional effort toward improvement of air quality in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Clean Air Coalition is administered by the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), and Pflugerville is represented by Mayor Pro Tem Weiss.
On July 7, 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will make $50 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding available to improve ambient air quality monitoring for communities across the United States. The $50 million is divided into four components: Grant Competition for Community Monitoring, Direct Awards to Air Agencies for Continuous Monitoring of PM2.5 and Other Common Air Pollutants, Enhanced Regional Capacity for Short-term Community Monitoring Needs, and Administrative Support.
According to CAPCOG, the component identified as "Direct Awards to Air Agencies for Continuous Monitoring of PM2.5 and Other Common Air Pollutants" offers an opportunity to obtain funding for particulate matter monitors and aligns with the Clean Air Coalition's goal of expanding particulate matter (PM) monitoring in the region. As a member of the Clean Air Coalition, Pflugerville has been asked to consider a letter of resolution and a letter of partnership in support of CAPCOG's application. The proposed resolution will support CAPCOG's efforts in seeking funding for obtaining and conducting continuous PM2.5 monitoring at five to eight locations across the five county Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and a specialized PM2.5 monitoring (speciate) at one location in 2023 and 2024.
No financial obligation is required by the City of Pflugerville to support the CAPCOG application.
Prior City Council Action
2021: PurpleAir particulate matter sensor installed at library
2018: Resolution approved for participation in the 2019-2023 regional air quality plan
2017: Interlocal agreement between CAPCOG and City to support CAPCOG Regional Air Quality Program
Deadline for City Council Action
Action is requested on March 8, 2022
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure __ N/A __
Budgeted Item: Yes __ No __ N/A __
Amount: ___N/A_____
1295 Form Required? Yes __ No __
Legal Review Required: N/A __ Required __ Date Completed: ___________
Supporting documents attached:
1. Letter of Partnership
2. Resolution of Support
Recommended Action
Approving a resolution in support of the Capital Area Council of Governments' application for enhanced fine particulate matter monitoring in Central Texas.