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In addition to our efforts to address 1-hour ozone nonattainment, we are tracking
USEPA's actions regarding 8-hour ozone implementation policy. The ozone program
includes all activities relative to ozone, from monitoring to rulemaking to
participation in subregional assessments of ozone to operation of the enhanced
vehicle emissions testing program to voluntary measures through the Partners for
Clean Air Program and the Clean Air Counts Campaigns.
· The Partners for Clean Air (PFCA) is a voluntary organization of industries and other
entities in the Chicago area who take certain actions on Ozone Action Days (days
when meteorologists predict that the weather patterns are conducive to ozone
formation). The Agency forecasts Ozone Action Days based upon weather
information and notifies the Partners. The Partners (with their employees) then take
one or more actions to help reduce emissions of VOM. 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 2002, the number of Corporate Partners was over 400, 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 efforts of public education
and outreach.
Significant public education and outreach efforts include:
1. Paid radio advertisements throughout the Ozone Season featuring Breathe Easy
Man.
2. Dedicated website for up-to-date information about air quality, cleantheair.org.
Between 5,000-7,000 visits are made to the site each month.
3. Posters throughout the Illinois Tollway during August 2002 featuring the
superhero.
4. Hiring an actor in costume to portray Breathe Easy Man at approximately 20
festivals and events, and news shows throughout the Chicago-land area, carrying
the clean air message especially to children.
5. Providing giveaways to promote clean air featuring Breathe Easy Man, including
temporary tattoos and coloring books.
6. Blast fax and e-mail services to notify the media, PFCA and interested citizens of
Ozone Action Day declaration.
7. Press releases were sent to Chicago media declaring the first Ozone Action Day
on June 22, 2002.
The Agency's public education efforts have also increased public awareness of
actions that individuals can take to reduce ozone formation on Ozone Action Days.
"Green Pays on Green Days” Educational Program
The IEPA has partnered with the Partners for Clean Air, local businesses, USEPA,
the City of Chicago and media groups to sponsor a summer long ozone educational
program called the “Green Pays on Green Days” Giveaway Program. Through Green
