WASHINGTON - The United States Environmental Protection Agency today proposed the strictest health standards to date for smog. Smog, also known as ground-level ozone, is linked to a number of serious health problems, ranging from aggravation of asthma to increased risk of premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Ozone can even harm healthy people who work and play outdoors. The agency is proposing to replace the standards set by the previous administration, which many believe were not protective enough of human health.

"EPA is stepping up to protect Americans from one of the most persistent and widespread pollutants we face. Smog in the air we breathe poses a very serious health threat, especially to children and individuals suffering from asthma and lung disease. It dirties our air, clouds our cities, and drives up our health care costs across the country," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Using the best science to strengthen these standards is a long overdue action that will help millions of Americans breathe easier and live healthier."

The agency is proposing to set the "primary" standard, which protects public health, at a level between 0.060 and 0.070 parts per million (ppm) measured over eight hours. Children are at the greatest risk from ozone, because their lungs are still developing, they are most likely to be active outdoors, and they are more likely than adults to have asthma. Adults with asthma or other lung diseases, and older adults are also sensitive to ozone.

EPA is also proposing to set a separate "secondary" standard to protect the environment, especially plants and trees. This seasonal standard is designed to protect plants and trees from damage occurring from repeated ozone exposure, which can reduce tree growth, damage leaves, and increase susceptibility to disease.

In September 2009 Administrator Jackson announced that EPA would reconsider the existing ozone standards, set at 0.075 ppm in March 2008. As part of its reconsideration, EPA conducted a review of the science that guided the 2008 decision, including more than 1,700 scientific studies and public comments from the 2008 rulemaking process. EPA also reviewed the findings of the independent Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, which recommended standards in the ranges proposed today.

Depending on the level of the final standard, the proposal would yield health benefits between $13 billion and $100 billion. This proposal would help reduce premature deaths, aggravated asthma, bronchitis cases, hospital and emergency room visits and days when people miss work or school because of ozone-related symptoms. Estimated costs of implementing this proposal range from $19 billion to $90 billion.

Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from industrial facilities, power plants, landfills and motor vehicles react in the sun.

EPA will take public comment for 60 days after the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register. The agency will hold three public hearings on the proposal: Feb. 2, 2010 in Arlington, Va. and in Houston; and Feb. 4, 2010 in Sacramento. More information: www.epa.gov/groundlevelozone

The results of the 2010 Census, to be conducted this spring, will affect the state's representation in Congress and federal dollars spent locally for the next 10 years. A complete count is very important for cities, towns and counties in the ACOG region and throughout the country.

Those interested in curbing waste of government spending should also be interested in the enormous expense associated with residents not mailing in their Census forms. A paid enumerator will go to each residence in the country for which a mail-in form is not received, sometimes multiple times. Mail-back response rates have dropped significantly since 1970, when the national response rate was 78 percent. In 2000, the national rate was 67 percent and Oklahoma rate was 64 percent.

Local government leaders are encouraged to establish Complete Count Committees and do everything possible to encourage their residents to complete and send the mail-in form. Following are some facts to keep in mind:

• The 2010 form includes 10 short questions, none of which asks about income. (The previous long form has been replaced by ongoing surveys which involve one in 40 residents as opposed to one in six.)
• Advance letters from the Census Bureau will be arrive between March 8-10; the form itself between March 15-16; a reminder March 22-24; and April 1 is declared "Census Day".
• To generate excitement among school children, the U.S. Census Bureau has rolled out a Census in Schools website, as part of a dedicated site already devoted to Census 2010.
• Much more emphasis is being placed on paid media this Census with an awareness campaign through January, education in February, motivational spots in March and April, and non-response follow-up in May and June.
• An interactive map showing evolving local response rates is planned to be offered on the Census Website: www.2010.census.gov. It will be a good way for local leaders to track local response and try to motivate residents if responses are lagging.
• The Census Bureau is still hiring staff. Applications are available on the ACOG Web site at www.acogok.org.

For more information about state plans, contact Steve Barker, Oklahoma State Data Center, steven_barker@okcommerce.gov or 405-815-5182.

A massive renovation project of more than 180 acres in downtown Oklahoma City is slated to begin this spring. The initiative, named Project 180, is a three year, $140 million redesign of downtown streets, sidewalks, parks and plazas to improve appearance and make the central core more pedestrian friendly.

"Project 180 is one of the most ambitious downtown transformations in the country," said project engineer Laura Story. "When it is completed in 2014, downtown will be more visitor friendly and better poised for economic growth."

Plans call for the addition of landscaping, public art, marked bike lanes, decorative street lighting, on-street parking spaces and electric car recharging stations.

• The first phase of construction will include the renovation on Robinson, Park Avenue, Dean A. McGee, Reno and Walker. A dramatic transformation of the Myriad Botanical Gardens is also included in the first phase of Project 180.
• Phase two will begin in 2011 and include construction on N.W. 5th Street, Robert S. Kerr, E. Main Street, California, Sheridan, Hudson, N. Robinson and E.K. Gaylord. Also included will be renovation of the grand lawn at City Hall.
• The last phase is slated for 2012 and includes NW 4th Street, West Main Street, Broadway, Harvey and North Walker. This phase will include the renovation of Bicentennial Park, located in front of the Civic Center Music Hall.

"Each phase of construction will bring with it traffic challenges," Story said. "We will work earnestly to communicate street closures and detours to downtown business owners and people traveling downtown."

The improvements are being paid for through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) from construction of the Devon Tower ($115 million) and General Obligation Bonds passed in the 2007 bond election ($24,585,000).

For more information on Project 180, visit www.okc.gov/project180.

Traffic count data is a valuable data set that is used by public, private and commercial interests. Transportation planners use the data to determine traffic flow and congestion levels. Commercial interests, such as real estate and property managers, utilize the data to determine where people are most likely to be driving. Advertising and marketing agencies need the data to find optimal locations for billboards.

Traffic count data is one of the primary data sources collected and utilized by most if not all entities in our region. Historically, this data has been difficult and time consuming to regionally analyze and provide to local citizens. In order to manage this issue, ACOG, in coordination with five member entities (Oklahoma City, Moore, Norman, Midwest City and Edmond), purchased a subscription to a web-based application called Traffic Count Database System (TCDS).

ACOG joins other state transportation departments, metropolitan planning organizations and local agencies across the nation now utilizing Midwestern Software Solutions, LLC's (MS2) TCDS.

The TCDS provides transportation planners and traffic engineers with an exceptional and inexpensive tool to input, validate, edit and analyze traffic counts. The system features direct linkage to traffic counting software, data import from traffic count files, fast query of traffic counts and locations, and customizable forms and reports.

For visitors to the web portal, ACOG's TCDS offers a user-friendly interface and menu. Traffic counts are based on a two-year cycle. A select number of locations in the region are recorded annually. In rural areas, and on the highway system, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation collects traffic count data.

To access ACOG's site, visit ACOG Traffic Counts. For more information, contact Darla Hugaboom at dhugaboom@acogok.org.