Proactive Programs Tackle Air Quality

The hot topics at the recent meeting of the Texas Clean Air Working Group were two programs we call TERP and LIRAP. It is the goal of the committee to encourage Texans all across the state to become familiar with these important programs and to take advantage of them.
TERP stands for the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, a grants program or a funding mechanism to help individuals and small businesses make changes that will positively impact the air we breathe.
Diesel emissions emit significant levels of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), a precursor to the formation of ozone. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) estimates that non-road diesel NOx emissions are approximately 27 percent of the total NOx pie. In addition, on-road diesel comprises approximately one-half of the total on-road emissions; total on-road emissions are 46 percent of the NOx pie.
LIRAP, also known as AirCheckTexas, is a repair and replacement assistance program aimed at encouraging people to drive newer, cleaner vehicles. Approximately 10 percent of the region’s automobiles are estimated to contribute to 50 percent of on-road emissions.
Mobile sources are the largest contributor to our air quality problems, particularly in urban areas. New changes in LIRAP in the 80th Legislature will allow many more Texans to qualify for assistance when their vehicles fail emissions testing.
Applications are currently being accepted for Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants and Rebate Grants. People in the following counties are eligible to apply for these grants: Bastrop, Bexar, Brazoria, Caldwell, Chambers, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gregg, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Hays, Jefferson, Johnson, Kaufman, Liberty, Montgomery, Orange, Parker, Rockwall, Rusk, Smith, Tarrant, Travis, Upshur, Waller, Williamson and Wilson.
More information is available from TCEQ at terp@tceq.state.tx.us, www.terpgrants.org, or 1-800-919-TERP.
For those who are hesitant to fill out an application or who are limited on available time, the TCEQ, EPA, North Central Texas Council of Governments, city of Dallas, and Texas Business for Clean Air have established extensive assistance sessions at http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/air/terp/terp_mtgs.html.
The LIRAP program has had a tremendous amount of applicants seeking the financial assistance of up to $3,500 to replace a vehicle that is more than 10 years old with a new, lower-emitting replacement vehicle. For more information on participating LIRAP counties and phone numbers for regional administrators in your area, check www.driveacleanmachine.org.
Our air has improved, but we need to do more. Achieving real improvement will take all of us working together, and these proactive programs are the state’s way of stepping up to the plate and lending a hand. I strongly encourage each and every citizen to get educated about these programs and to take advantage of them. The sooner the better!
By Ellis County Judge Chad Adams, Chairman, Texas Clean Air Working Group