The Tulsa Area is currently in attainment of all National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Indeed, air quality generally is improving in the Tulsa area! Although we meet the 2008 ozone standard - we meet it just barely. Because of the concern for ground-level ozone on public health, EPA intends to continue to strengthen the standard. Tulsa's air continues to improve, although we continue the challenge to improve quickly enough to avoid a non-attainment designation. The Tulsa area is well known for being proactive in improving air quality through innovative programs such as the Ozone Flexible Agreements with EPA and the award winning Ozone Alert! Program (the first in the nation!) Prior to 1990, Tulsa County had been designated non-attainment for EPA’s 1-hour ozone standard. In 1991, shortly after being designated attainment for that standard, additional air quality problems occurred, prompting Tulsa area local governments, through INCOG, to develop an aggressive action plan and public education program aimed at reducing local air emissions that would further reduce ozone formation throughout the Tulsa area. Tulsa Area Clean Cities, Green Traveler and Ozone Alert! are among key elements of our regional air quality program. 
On April 15th, 2004 the Tulsa area was designated attainment of the revised 8-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. Because the entire state of Oklahoma received the same “clean-air” designation, Tulsa’s unique and extraordinary progress of the past 19 years leading to this designation could mistakenly be minimized. Tulsa’s future should bring new business opportunities, existing business expansion, and cultural opportunities; roadways that provide expanded access across the metropolitan area; economic prosperity; and exemplary quality of life for our community. Economic growth however, is almost always accompanied with challenges to maintain clean air quality for the community. Tulsa is not unique in this challenge, though fully unique in its approach to meeting the challenges of balancing growth, economics and clean air. Transportation accounts for 67% of U.S. oil consumption and is the predominant source of air pollution. More than half of this energy use is due to passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, and other types of light trucks). The United States relies on the Middle East for 41% of its imported oil source. Oil imports from unstable foreign sources pose significant problems in terms of oil availability, oil price fluctuations, and international security. Many opportunities exist for improving energy efficiency and reducing consumption through modifications in personal behavior, operating practices and internal administrative policies. Public education and awareness are key to implementing those improvements. What each individual does - or chooses not to do - as it regards their driving behavior can make a big difference. Transportation-related expenses now represent 10 to 12 percent of an average family's total income, the third largest expense in their budget. Yet, most Americans continue to drive to work alone in an automobile designed to comfortably carry four or five people. However, with the rising oil prices and the shrinking of funds available for highway and traffic improvements, seeking and promoting alternative solutions to high energy consumption and transportation problems is becoming a priority.
  
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