EPA and TCEQ sign ‘first in nation’ agreement with Corpus Christi

The Corpus Christi Air Quality Committee announced today that a new air quality plan for the Corpus Christi area has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

“The plan gives the local community a new tool to maintain health-based ozone standards. The Corpus Christi Air Quality Committee worked with the EPA and TCEQ to develop the agreement to maintain or reduce air pollution (ozone)” said committee chairman Bill Hennings. This program will provide a way to maintain healthy air quality by reducing air emissions through voluntary measures.

“The Corpus Christi Air Quality Committee is commended on developing the first 8-O3FLEX Agreement in the nation,” EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene said.

“Voluntary programs that encourage proactive air planning make a lot of sense,” said TCEQ Chairman H. S. Buddy Garcia. “It is always encouraging to see communities in Texas embrace workable environmental solutions.”

Corpus Christi Mayor Henry Garrett said, “We are very pleased that this plan has been approved. We look forward to continuing our leadership in air quality, making the city a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

The agreement consists of numerous specific voluntary activities and programs unique to Corpus Christi that will take place over the next five years. Another unique aspect of the agreement is the strong local partnerships that worked together to bring the agreement together including the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County, Port of Corpus Christi Authority, Corpus Christi Metropolitan Organization and the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority.