Frequently Asked Questions

While some air pollution is visible along skylines as a haze or yellowish fog, many critical components of air pollution are clear. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified pollutants, many of them invisible, which contribute to ground-level ozone (smog) and to negative health effects. The air may appear to be clean even though invisible pollutants in it present a danger to public health.

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What is ozone?

Ozone is necessary for life on earth, as we know it. In its proper place in the stratosphere (up high), ozone helps protect the earth from the sun's harmful rays. But on the earth's surface (down low) ozone can create serious health effects.

Ground-level ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) come together in the presence of heat and sunlight. NOx is found in the exhaust from motor vehicles and other sources of combustion or industrial processes. VOCs come from a number of sources, including evaporation tanks. Ozone is the major ingredient of smog, a problem plaguing many of our cities in Texas.

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I live in the Panhandle and don't see that there's an air quality problem in my area. Why am I paying for an air quality campaign when I'm not part of the problem?

Air pollution knows no boundaries, and air pollution travels—within our state and beyond our borders. All Texans can help keep Texas' air clean. We each have a stake in clean air, and as drivers and commuters we can take a few steps each day toward a cleaner Texas. Taking steps now can prevent future problems in areas not currently affected.

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When is ozone season?

Summer months are considered to be ozone season because both heat and sunlight are abundant.

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What parts of Texas are considered "non attainment" areas?

Nine Texas areas are considered to be non attainment (not meeting Federal clean air quality standards) or near non attainment. Non attainment areas are Houston/Galveston, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso and Beaumont/Port Arthur. Near non-attainment or areas that are close to exceeding clean air standards are: Austin, San Antonio, Victoria, Tyler/Longview and Corpus Christi.

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Are there scientific reasons for the lower speed limits in non-attainment areas?

Yes. Research on which the current state implementation plans (SIP) are based indicates that vehicle NOx emissions—precursors of ground-level ozone and smog—increase steadily and predictably at speeds over 45 mph. The commission will continue to study the effects of reduced speed limits on quality benefits as more science becomes available.

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Is Drive Clean Across Texas responsible for the lowered speed limits in Houston?

No. The environmental speed limits are one of the actions developed as part of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the Houston-Galveston (HG) and Dallas-Ft. regions to reduce pollution. These lower speed limits are incorporated into the SIP by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and approved by the EPA. Solutions such as reduced speed limits are a necessary part of the plan that the state must develop in order to comply with federal air quality standards.

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Are the speed limits being enforced?

Yes. Posted speed limits in Texas are legally enforceable. The lower speed limits are enforced as a part of normal operations. There is no extra enforcement mandated.

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I'd like to buy a cleaner vehicle. Where can I find out more information?

Check out EPA's "Green Vehicle Guide" at: http://www.epa.gov/autoemissions/

Many of the major automobile manufacturers also have portions of their websites devoted to environmentally friendly or "green" vehicle alternatives.

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Is this campaign an attack on SUVs?

No. This campaign does not target SUVs or any other vehicle type. The Drive Clean Across Texas campaign focuses on driving behaviors and vehicle maintenance. It urges Texans to make "cleaner" vehicle purchases. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about air quality and to change driving-related decisions to help the health of Texans, regardless of what types of vehicle they drive.

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Why doesn't the state just start forcing people to buy cleaner cars?

Rather than forcing new cars on people, the Drive Clean Across Texas campaign encourages Texans to consider cleaner vehicles when they buy new or replacement vehicles. One way Texans can contribute to cleaner air is to buy the most efficient, cleanest burning vehicle available in their desired size range. As Texans continue to purchase and drive more efficient, cleaner vehicles, the pollution emitted by drivers will steadily decrease.

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I can't afford a new car, and I can't drive any less than I do. What can I do to improve the air in Texas?

The good news is that you're probably already taking the most important step—maintaining your vehicle according to manufacturer's specifications. If you're not, this is a simple step you can take to make your car last longer, perform better, and likely get better gas mileage. By keeping your vehicle in proper running condition, you ensure the best chance for your vehicle to run as clean and efficiently as possible.

The next thing you can do to help is to consider combining trips and errands with a friend or carpooling to work. Mass transit is another option you could consider a few times per week. Take the bus and leave the driving to the bus driver while you read the paper or take a short nap. A few steps, taken each day, can improve the air for all Texans.

When the time comes to purchase a car, buy the cleanest vehicle you can afford even if you buy a used car. Vehicle manufacturers are required to make improvements in the efficiency and emissions of their vehicles over time. With your vehicle purchase—whether you buy new or used—you can make significant emissions reductions at the same time you are buying a car.

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I need my car. How can I drive less?

There are many things drivers can do to take cars off the road, especially during peak traffic periods. Reducing the number of cars on the road will result in less traffic and less exhaust. Here are a few ideas:

• Combine your errands into only one trip.
• Don't drive to lunch – walk, bring your lunch or go to lunch with co-workers.
• Carpool, vanpool, or use park-and-ride. Even doing this a couple times per week helps.
• Ride public transit systems; take advantage of employer transit pass programs.
• Take a bicycle or walk when at all possible; it is good for your health.
• Work an alternative/flex-time work schedule so you don't have to drive in congestion.
• Look into becoming a telecommuter (work from home) or help initiate a telecommuting program at your work.

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If there's an air quality problem in Texas, why isn't there more mass transit?

More mass transit options are always being explored, especially in our medium- and large-sized cities. Transit services are increasing in larger metropolitan cities, and some cities are modernizing their bus fleets with cleaner technology.

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Wouldn't light rail transit help improve air quality?

Light rail transit does help reduce air pollution. The light-rail system is currently being expanded in Dallas and in Houston, and possibilities for light rail have been or are being explored around the state. Funding for light rail however is not sufficient at this time in most areas to support its development.

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It seems like the campaign is targeting drivers of personal vehicles. What about the smoke stacks and big diesel trucks all over my area? Don't they contribute to the problem?

We need to reduce emissions from all sources. Parts of Texas currently operate under a state implementation plan (SIP), which is that area's roadmap toward cleaner air. SIPs address both mobile emissions and industrial emissions. New standards for heavy-duty diesel engines started to go into effect in 2004. In addition, even more stringent heavy-duty diesel engine standards will be enforced in 2007. The regulation of industrial emissions is already underway, and the good news for Texas is that smoke stack emissions are down and will continue to decrease under the SIP. The Drive Clean Across Texas campaign provides information to the general public so individual drivers can make good decisions.

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What can I do to maintain my car properly?

Maintain your vehicle in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

• Keep your car engine well-maintained to lower exhaust emissions.
• Keep your tires properly inflated.
• Regularly change filters and service air conditioning.
• Seal your gas cap tightly, refuel during late afternoon or evening, and don't top off the tank.
• Have your car regularly inspected and emissions tested.

See The Texas Department of Public Safety's Air Check Texas website for more information on mandatory emissions tests. Proper and timely maintenance of your car will conserve energy and reduce emissions.

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Does the Drive Clean Across Texas campaign run the new Inspection and Maintenance program or the Air Check campaign in Dallas/Ft. Worth?

No, Drive Clean Across Texas and Air Check Texas are separate state programs. Drive Clean Across Texas is an air quality public education and outreach campaign focusing on vehicle emissions. Air Check Texas supports the state's Inspection and Maintenance program. The campaigns are linked by their emphasis on improved vehicle maintenance, which ultimately benefits our air.

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Why are inspection and maintenance fees so high? Aren't you targeting the people who can least afford to maintain their vehicles?

Some people consider the fees to be high. However, the fee covers both the emissions test and the standard, annual safety inspection.

The inspection fees are charged to all applicable vehicle owners in the participating counties, therefore they do not target any particular owner group. Inspections help ensure healthier air for our society—including sensitive groups such as our children and our aging populations.

Drive Clean Across Texas is a separate program and has no affiliation with or control over the new fees.

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I have noticed vehicles on the road with excessive smoke coming from their exhaust. How can I report a smoking vehicle?

The next time you see a car, truck, or bus anywhere in Texas with dirty smoke coming from its exhaust for more than 10 consecutive seconds, write down the license number, date, time, and location you saw the smoking vehicle.

Report the smoking vehicle, within 30 days, by submitting an online reporting form on www.smokingvehicles.org or by calling 1-800-453-SMOG (7664). You do not have to give your name, and the report is free.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will then notify the owner in writing that his or her vehicle may be contributing to air pollution by smoking excessively. The TCEQ will also provide the owner with information about how car maintenance will improve the vehicle's performance.

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Can parking and walking inside rather than going thru the drive thru really help clean up the air?

Yes, idling wastes gas, damages pollution control equipment on your vehicle, and produces carbon monoxide—an invisible, odorless, poisonous gas. In fact, turning off the car and starting it again uses less gas and produces less carbon monoxide than idling for half a minute or more.

• Park and go inside rather than using the drive-through.
• If you have to drive through, shut off your engine while waiting.
• Anticipate delays and take an alternative route to avoid stop-and-go or stand-still traffic... or travel earlier or later when congestion is less.
• After starting the engine, do not warm it up; modern engines do not need it.

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