2000 Ozone Season Upon the Valley

By Kathy DeBoer, Vice President

Like last year, Valley residents will be alerted to high pollution days during this summer's ozone season, which runs from mid-May through September. We will be called upon to do our part to control pollution. The idea is to keep ozone-forming emissions low, so the Valley does not violate federal clean-air standards.

How do you measure success?

Last summer there were only six alerts, and Phoenix succeeded in receiving no ozone violations. This success can be attributed to Governor Jane Dee Hull's Ozone Alert Program and the commitment of 225 Valley organizations (WestGroup included) to reduce trips to the workplace by 10%. Participation numbers show that the goal was exceeded — trips were reduced by 14%. Surveys with the public confirmed the program's success. RPTA commissioned WestGroup to track awareness, opinions and reported behavior in response to ozone advisories. We found that 87,500 people or 7% of commuters reduced their driving. This translates into the reduction of a hefty 30,000 pounds of pollution a day!

We're not Done Yet: You can help!

Maricopa County needs three more years of no violations to become redesignated for attainment of the one-hour ozone standard.

We encourage you to help by signing your organization up for the Governor's Ozone Alert Program. Here's how it works:

Participants develop their own plans to reduce the number of vehicles employees drive to work. Plan elements may include having certain employees telecommute or carpool. Employers may give out free bus passes or have employees work from a satellite office closer to their home. The goal of the plan is to reduce vehicle trips by 10%! Valley Metro will notify you of an alert by noon the day before the alert goes into effect. If you're interested in joining, please call 602-262-RIDE (7433).

Tracking Continues

WestGroup will be tracking the public's response to high pollution advisories again this year. General awareness questions will be included on WestTrack, WestGroup's monthly Arizona Omnibus study of 400 residents, from May through December. An additional 700 residents will be interviewed via a customized telephone study over the summer to measure behavioral changes that may occur as a result of the ozone advisories.

On High Pollution Advisory (HPA) Days You Should:

• Carpool
• Telecommute
• Ride the bus
• Fuel after 4:00 p.m.
• Do not use gas powered lawn/garden equipment
• Ride your bike
• Walk

Information for this article taken from: Destinations: The official newsletter of the Regional Public Transit Authority and from the Valley Metro website: www.valleymetro.maricopa.gov

MAY 2000 Answers:
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