Task Force Appointed To Address Increased Emissions From SUVs and Trucks

Transportation Planning Board Appoints Task Force To Address Increased Emissions From SUV's and Trucks

    WASHINGTON, July 18 The National Capital Region
Transportation Planning Board (TPB) today appointed a task force to identify
steps that need to be taken to address the increasing level of emissions from
sport utility vehicles and trucks in the region.  A recent TPB analysis
indicates the increased emissions could mean the region will not be able to
comply with federally approved caps on emissions from cars, trucks and buses
for 2005.

    A failure to comply with these emissions caps could cause delays in new
transportation projects proposed for the region.  The TPB is the metropolitan
planning organization responsible for approving plans to build and operate
roads and transit systems in the region.

    "We do feel a sense of urgency," said TPB Chairman John Mason, who is also
the mayor of the City of Fairfax, Va.  "Right now, the region is in compliance
with the air quality standards, but we can't add any new items to the
transportation plan."  If no action is taken to reduce the emissions, the
region might not be able to comply with the air quality requirements in 2003,
when the TPB must submit its next transportation plan for the region.

    The Washington metropolitan region is required to take actions to reduce
the level of pollutants, principally nitrogen oxide and volatile organic
compounds, that contribute to ground level ozone, or smog.  A recent TPB
review of vehicle registration data in the region showed a significant
increase in the number of sport utility vehicles and other light-duty trucks,
with a corresponding rise in the level of emissions. The analysis indicates
the region will have to reduce or offset an expected level of 8 tons of
nitrogen oxide emissions in 2005.

    TPB members said it won't be easy to achieve that goal.  The task force
will examine several options, including trading emissions "credits" or levels
with local power plants, which then would be required to reduce further the
pollutants they release into the air, converting fleets of public vehicles,
like buses, to fuels such as compressed natural gas, and increasing
enforcement of speed limits in the area.  It is unclear whether the options,
alone or in combination, could cut air pollution levels fast enough, TPB
members said.

    The task force, comprised of 12 elected and appointed officials from
Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, will report back to the TPB
in September.