1980s–EARLY ’90s: A BIG PROBLEM IN SEARCH OF A SOLUTION

But it did not start that way. Some 35 years ago, in the summer of  1985, the Austin area exceeded the then-applicable EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) ozone standard of 120 parts per billion (ppb). Over the next ten years, it was not exceeded again, but the region came close.  In four of those years, we bumped right up to the 120 level.

And that was before Central Texas experienced the explosive population growth we have experienced in the last three decades!

Non-attainment has profound implications even beyond the quality of life. Non-attainment areas are required to develop plans to improve air quality with EPA-mandated roadway funding restrictions, vehicle emissions testing, and limits on new business-related emissions.

Recognizing the detrimental health, economic, and quality of life impacts of deteriorating air quality, groups such as the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), the City of Austin, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Austin District, the American Lung Association and other area business and community leaders saw the need to coordinate. They wanted to provide a more effective air quality improvement message and launch and finance much-needed technical studies.

1993: THE BEGINNINGS OF A SOLUTION

In 1993, representatives from these organizations joined to form “Clean Air Metro Austin,” the core of the CLEAN AIR Force Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). Since 1993, membership in the TAC–now renamed the Air Quality Professionals Forum (AQPF)– has expanded to include representatives from businesses, local governments, environmental groups, neighborhood associations, public interest groups, and local citizens concerned about air quality. AQPF  members are experts in the air quality industry and provide valuable technical expertise and insight to the organization’s planning and policy process. Meetings of the AQPF provide members with opportunities to stay abreast of technical and policy developments, share ideas and information with colleagues, and advise their respective organizations on air quality issues.

In 1994, Clean Air Metro Austin became the Austin AIR Force and applied for incorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The organization was renamed the CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas in early 1996 to reflect the regional nature of air quality issues.

TODAY: OUR MISSION CONTINUES

Today, the mission of the CAF is still central to all we do. EPA standards have become even more stringent and include Ozone and Carbon Monoxide, several other gases, plus Particulate Matter pollution (PM). To keep Central Texas in compliance, despite our tremendous population growth, the CAF continues to work closely with public agencies, private companies, and other nonprofit organizations to ensure that the air we all must breathe is healthy and safe.

For 30 years our goal and mission have been to meet Central Texas’s air quality standards.  What we do directly impacts the quality of life for 1.2 million Central Texans. Despite all other large cities in Texas failing to stay in attainment,  our region has remained in compliance. We have been successful — in partnership with many others working toward the same goal — and have worked hard to achieve this. We are proud of what we have accomplished, but can’t rest, even for a moment. We invite you to be part of our success story. Together we will continue to make a difference in Air Quality and the quality of life in Central Texas.