LOCAL AIR REGULATORS SEEK SMOG CREDITS FROM 'SMART GROWTH' EFFORTS

摘要

Air regulators in California are seeking innovative ways to obtain EPA backing for so-called smart growth initiatives as part of federally approved plans for reducing smog-producing ozone, in what could become a national model for the agency to award state implementation plan (SIP) credits based on land-use improvements, agency and other sources say. The move comes as many local areas are looking for new ways to meet the agency's recent stricter ozone and fine particulate matter standards, with options often limited because of the local air quality impacts of pollution drifting from other areas. Sacramento air quality officials want EPA to account for possibly unprecedented air quality improvements expected through a smart growth initiative the metropolitan region launched in December. Known as the preferred blueprint scenario, it has won nationwide recognition for using sophisticated models that project urban growth and reductions in vehicle traffic. "Sacramento did probably the most careful, visionary [smart growth] strategy in the country, possibly in the world," says one expert who follows smart growth issues. "They have a lot more confidence in their modeling than anyone else does."