The '2008 ozone season' begins for East Texas

Northeast Texas Air Care (NETAC) leaders join state officials, federal officials and local industry leaders here to mark the beginning of the '2008 ozone season' for East Texas.

NETAC co-chairmen Bill Stoudt, Gregg County judge. and Joey Seeber, Tyler mayor, welcome those who may attend. Speakers for the event will include Tom Diggs, associate director for air at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6; Ramon Alvarez, environmental defense and Jim Mathews, NETAC general counsel.

Topics to be discussed include EPA's new 8-Hour ozone standard and environmental defense's role in Energy Future Holdings' Sustainable Energy Advisory Board.

The annual ozone season kick-off event is designed to raise public awareness of air quality during the season that officially runs from May 1 through September 30 of each year. Throughout this time, TCEQ declares an Ozone Action Day when conditions are favorable for the formation of ozone at ground levels. On such days, local governments, citizens, and industry are encouraged to reduce or refrain from activities that emit ozone-forming chemicals.

Activities begin noon on Thursday May 15 at Kilgore City Hall. For more information contact ETCOG Environmental Manager, Rick McKnight, at 903-984-8641 extension 209.

Northeast Texas Air Care (NETAC) is a voluntary, cooperative association of local governments and industries that was formed to fill the need of a more organized and comprehensive approach to improving air quality based on regional needs. NETAC is administered by the East Texas Council of Governments.