Policy and Incentive Strategies
that local governments can implement to improve air quality
Reduce Emissions from Mobile Sources
Engines Off Anti-idling Program
Adopt the RAQC’s anti-idling model ordinance, work with fleets to develop anti-idling policies and technology, and implement anti-idling education and outreach programs at schools. Check out these tools, and more.
Land Use and Planning
Develop and implement land use regulations that facilitate walking and biking instead of driving a car. This can include mixing types and densities of housing, mixing types of uses, decreasing parking requirements, emphasizing the connectivity of walking and biking facilities, ensuring the provision of bike parking and storage facilities, expanding bike and walking facilities, etc.
Adopt new building codes, which must be at least as stringent as the 2021 IECC and the state’s model electric ready and solar ready code. This code requires new or renovated buildings to be ready for electric vehicle charger installation.
Include air quality in considerations in the project review process through the use of the Land Use/Air Quality Checklist.
Incorporate traffic signal timing/coordination into local traffic operations.
Transportation Demand Management
Expand local participation in transportation demand management (TDM) programs such as the DRCOG’s Way To Go program.
Partner with, or use materials from, RAQC’s Simple Steps Better Air education and outreach program to encourage residents to use bike and car sharing programs, and to combine and reduce auto trips.
Electric Vehicles
Purchase electric and hybrid vehicles for local fleets and encourage citizens to purchase these vehicles as well.
Incorporate the provision of charging and alternative fuel stations for vehicles into projects at the beginning of the development phase.
Reduce Emissions from Area, Off-road and Stationary Sources
Replace gas powered lawn and garden equipment with electric alternatives and encourage citizens to do the same. Check out the RAQC’s Mow Down Pollution program for information and government grants about electric lawn & garden equipment.
Limit painting and staining projects to spring and fall seasons and encourage citizens to do the same.
Apply construction mitigation measures to reduce emissions from new developments and large construction projects.
Plant trees that emit low amounts of biogenic volatile organic compounds.
Reduce emissions from off-road equipment by implementing idling policies and utilizing the RAQC’s retrofit programs for qualifying equipment.