Title
To recognize Ozone Action Awareness Week July 20 - 27, 2003.
Body
WHEREAS, The growth of Greater Columbus and the increase of cars on our roads impacts our air quality; and
WHEREAS, Repeated exposure to ozone pollution may cause severe health problems such as permanent lung damage, incite asthma attacks and chest pains; and
WHEREAS, Just last month, central Ohio had the unhealthiest air in the nation on June 23rd
and June 24th, exceeding the one-hour ozone standard and in 2002 central Ohio exceeded the eight-hour ozone standard on 28 days; and
WHEREAS, A minimum of seven and possibly nine central Ohio counties will be designated non-attainment under the new, eight-hour ozone standard by the U.S. EPA; and
WHEREAS, If the central Ohio region does not reach and maintain attainment status for the ozone, transportation funding and business development may be affected; and
WHEREAS, It is in the region's best interest to support and promote efforts that improve the region's air quality and enhance the region's quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Ozone Action Week, which is sponsored by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and takes place from July 20 through July 27, 2003, is an annual event that strives to educate the community about ozone pollution and its health effects, as well as encourage the public to partake in strategies that reduce ozone formation with the goal of improving the region's air quality and reaching attainment of the eight-hour ozone standard; now; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this council does hereby applaud the efforts of MORPC and its partners to raise awareness for Ozone Action Week in central Ohio and encourages increased participation by individuals, businesses and local governments in Ozone Action Week events.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be presented to MORPC for Ozone Action Awareness Week.