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Reveal Your Super Power
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We all love super heroes; and we don't need to look outside our home, community or workplace for them. Each one of us has the makings of a hero, our inner hero, just waiting to be unleashed into the world. Become a hero by committing to do at least three simple, yet heroic, actions regularly - actions like refueling your vehicle after 6:00 p.m., sharing a ride, walking or biking instead of driving alone, and turning off lights, computers and chargers when not in use. Together we will win the battle against harmful emissions that pollute our air. If each one of us flexes our super powers everyday we will improve our air quality, meet the EPA's health standards and all breathe much easier
Join the growing force of Ozone Action Heroes by taking the pledge today. Your air. Your commitment.
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What is ground-level ozone?
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Ground-level ozone is formed through a chemical reaction between natural and man-made emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight. The primary sources of emissions are gas and diesel powered motor vehicles, construction equipment, lawn and garden equipment, power plants, and evaporative fumes from gasoline, solvents, charcoal lighter fluid and some paints.
High concentrations of ground-level ozone can irritate your lungs, cause wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulties, aggravate asthma, reduce lung capacity and increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. High ground-level ozone levels particularly affect children, seniors, people with lung disease and those who work or exercise outdoors. Trees and crops are also damaged by high ground-level ozone levels.
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Keep Our Air Clean
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Clean air is vital to enjoying a healthy, outdoor life. Central Texas is famous for its big, bold natural beauty. Residents take pride in wildflower meadows, Hill Country views, unrivaled opportunities for outdoor sports, and a busy calendar of open-air concerts and festivals. Together we can fight air pollution and keep breathing easy.
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What if we don't meet EPA's standard?
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Failure to meet the standard means that our air quality is not as healthful as it should be. The EPA designates the area as "nonattainment" for ground-level ozone. A nonattainment designation has consequences. Some residents and businesses do not want to be in an area with unhealthy air, so economic development can be negatively affected. Federal nonattainment requirements for transportation and industry can increase costs for our businesses and delay much needed regional transportation projects. Many requirements apply for twenty years after the area regains compliance, so a nonattainment designation has long-term effects.
Residents and businesses in the Capital/Alamo area can save our air by becoming Ozone Action Heroes.
Top Ten Heroic Ozone Actions
- Use public transportation, walk or ride a bike
- Refuel vehicles after 6:00 p.m.
- Share a ride
- Park and turn off your vehicle instead of idling
- Regularly tune-up your vehicle
- Bring lunch to work or school to reduce driving
- Turn off lights
- Use gas powered lawn equipment after 6:00 p.m.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs
- Store paints, gas and lighter fluid in a garage or shed
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Drive less - Power down - Be in the know
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Join our growing force of Ozone Action Heroes.
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