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given these efforts high priority. It is hoped that the NOx SIP call rules will be submitted in
mid 2006.
• Illinois EPA recognizes that SIPs for NOx RACT and CAIR are due in 2006 and for the 8-
hour ozone attainment demonstration, including RFP, in 2007. Also, the regional haze
attainment demonstration, including BART, is due in 2007. Furthermore, the PM2.5
attainment demonstration, including RFP, is due in 2008. Note that efforts to meet the
deadlines for submittals may be hindered by a lack of final federal guidance on
implementation issues.
• The Partners for Clean Air (PFCA) - is a voluntary organization of businesses, local
governments and other entities in the Chicago area that take certain actions on Air Pollution
Action Days (days when meteorologists predict that air quality may reach unhealthy levels).
Beginning in 2004, Air Pollution Action Days include ozone and particulate matter (PM).
The program will be active year-round in educating and informing the public on ozone and
PM. BOA forecasts Air Pollution Action Days based upon weather information and notifies
the Partners, who along with their employees then take one or more actions to help reduce
emissions of volatile organic material (VOM) and PM. Such actions include staggered work
hours to reduce rush hour traffic, telecommuting, and suspension of landscaping activities
that involve use of small engines such as lawnmowers.
In 2005, the number of Corporate Partners was over 350, from only 15 at the beginning of
the program in 1995. Federal funds have been received from the Congestion Mitigation Air
Quality program to support our continued efforts of public education and outreach.
Significant public education and outreach efforts include:
1. Paid radio advertisements throughout the summer featuring Breathe Easy Man.
2. Dedicated website that provides up to date information about air quality, cleantheair.org.
This website receives approximately 300,000 hits each year.
3. Hiring an actor to portray Breathe Easy Man at approximately 20 festivals and events,
and news shows throughout the Chicagoland area, carrying the clean air message
especially to children.
4. Providing giveaways to promote clean air featuring Breathe Easy Man, including
temporary tattoos, coloring books, stickers, window clings and other educational
material.
5. Blast fax and e-mail services to notify the media, PFCA and interested citizens of Air
Pollution Action Day declarations.
Illinois EPA’s public education efforts have also increased public awareness of actions that
individuals can take to reduce ozone formation on Air Pollution Action Days. The Illinois
EPA will continue to co-sponsor the Green Pays on Green Days educational program with
the PCFA organization in FY06-FY07 as resources allow.
b) Title V Program Implementation –
[Note: This program is not part of the Illinois EPA work plan for grant purposes, however,
this program is a priority for both the Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA and a considerable amount
of resources have been committed to administering this vital program.]