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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 - AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD - WORK PLANWork Plan City of Fort Collins Air Quality Advisory Board 2025 Work Plan The Air Quality Advisory Board’s (AQAB’s) primary purpose is to advise the Fort Collins City Council on policies, plans, programs, and ordinances that impact the City’s air quality. The structure, functions, and requirements for Board and Commissions are described in Article III of Chapter 2 of the City Code. A more detailed statement of the Board’s purpose and function is available in Section 2-103. The AQAB may also coordinate with and advise other City boards, City staff, and regional authorities on air quality issues. When appropriate, the AQAB will advise City Council on any opportunities that may arise for the City to participate in and influence air-quality- related decisions affecting Fort Collins but falling under the jurisdiction of county, regional, state or national air quality authorities. Regional issues of particular importance include: ● Ozone mitigation ● Air quality monitoring (e.g., ozone precursors, methane, air toxics, particulate matter) ● Climate change mitigation and adaptation ● State legislation and regulations ● Emissions from oil and gas operations Expected AQAB Work Plan Tasks for 2025: ● Provide input to City staff and advise City Council on policies and programs related to the Our Climate Future plan's goals and implementation, including its greenhouse gas mitigation, zero waste and renewable energy goals for 2026, 2030 and 2050, and its environmental justice and climate resiliency initiatives. ● Support City staff and develop recommendations to improve indoor air quality, especially through enhancements to the City's Healthy Homes Program. This could include: o expanded testing and mitigation for radon; o reducing the use of natural gas for heating, hot water, and cooking; and o eliminating exposure to emissions of harmful chemicals commonly found in household products. ● Provide recommendations to City Council and staff regarding programs that impact outdoor and/or indoor air quality, such as: o Building Performance Standards and building electrification; o mitigating the effects of wildfire smoke through safety and preparedness; o update of 2019 Air Quality Plan; o investigating regulatory approaches to promote the electrification of lawn and garden equipment; and o protecting, managing, and enhancing the City's urban forest. ● Support City goals for improvement of outdoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction due to energy generation by reviewing current and proposed operations at Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) and supporting operations that align with City/Council priorities. ● Advise on ways to reduce air pollution from the City’s transportation systems. ● Examine ways for the City to improve public outreach and education to better inform the public about air quality conditions and their health impacts, grow public support for air quality improvement programs and incentivize behavior change that improves indoor and outdoor air quality and public health. ● Advise City Council on midcycle budget offers related to air quality and climate change. ● Maintain connection with the Air Quality Monitoring Advisory Committee. ● Advocate on behalf of vulnerable populations to protect against the health impacts of air pollution. ● Address unanticipated air quality issues and respond to requests from City Council for advice on any air quality relevant topics.