Outreach
Description of Programs
Public Outreach and Education: This program educates the general public about air quality issues and the consequences that individual choices, such as travel behavior and preferences, have on air quality. The Regional Planning Commission coordinates the overall public outreach program for APCA. Strategies include advertising (paid and public service announcements), various promotional items, informational pamphlets, a Speaker’s Bureau, and an Internet site.
Employer Outreach: This program educates employers about air quality issues and encourages their employees to travel to work by modes other than single-occupant vehicles. The Policy Exchange Foundation (PEF), in cooperation with CommuteSmart Rideshare, is the lead partner for outreach.
Science and Environmental Education: This program educates children about air quality issues of ozone and particle pollution, their health impacts, how they are formed, and how they can be reduced or prevented. A number of Partners are involved in taking Air Quality education into schools: Jefferson County Department of Health and Auntie Litter, Inc. The Partners' education strategies vary according to age of the children and range from scientific approaches (e.g., measuring ozone and PM 2.5 levels) to practical approaches (e.g., supplementing driver's education programs).
Clean Cities: This program reduces ozone-causing emissions from fleets of vehicles through the use of alternative fuels, including natural gas, ethanol, propane, electricity and biodiesel. Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, a non-profit organization, is the lead partner for Clean Cities. Other activities include the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s annual Livable Cities Conference, and the City of Birmingham’s E-85 project.
Voluntary Emissions Testing: This program provides quick, free emissions checks for vehicle owners and assists owners of high emitters with having their vehicles serviced. The Waste Reduction and Technology Transfer Foundation is the lead partner in this program. › read more…
CommuteSmart RideShare: This program promotes carpooling and vanpooling as ways to reduce traffic congestions, save commuters money, and reduce air pollution. VPSI, Inc. operates the vanpooling program. › read more…
