Air Pollution Control Strategies
What is a Control Strategy?
An air quality control strategy, as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is “a set of specific techniques and measures identified and implemented to achieve reductions in air pollution to attain an air quality standard or goal.” Evaluation and implementation of control strategies is a key element of air quality planning. For air quality planning in Colorado, strategies are most often adopted by the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) as administrative rules, or implemented by a state agency, the RAQC, or other groups as voluntary or incentive-based programs.
As the lead air quality planning agency for the Denver Metro/North Front Range (DM/NFR) region, the RAQC is responsible for evaluating control strategies aimed at reducing emissions, particularly precursors to the formation of ozone – namely nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). It is the RAQC’s goal to implement strategies that will continue to decrease ozone levels and bring the area into compliance with federal ozone standards to protect public health, the environment, and reduce the impacts of climate change. Control strategies usually reduce either NOx or VOCs, which tend to come from different emission sources, and often have the co-benefit of also reducing other air pollutants.
Strategies are identified are identified by stakeholders and are then evaluated by the RAQC’s Control Strategy Committee. The following are key elements to consider for developing control strategies:
- • Strategy Description
- • Background Information
- • Air Quality (Emission Reduction) Benefit
- • Estimated Costs
- • Environmental Justice Considerations
- • Other Areas Implementing Similar Strategy
- • Implementation Approach and Responsible Parties
- • Points of Contact
Examples of emission sources causing air pollution in the RAQC region.
How are control strategies related to State Implementation Plans (SIPs)?
Many kinds of control strategies are included in SIPs. The strategies most important to attaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) have measurable, verifiable, and enforceable requirements tracked on a specific timeline, and those control strategies are most critical to reducing emissions. If EPA approves all or part of a SIP to correct NAAQS nonattainment, those control strategies become federally enforceable. In the Colorado case, the AQCC may also approve additional strategies and programs in rule that reduce emissions, often substantially, and support attainment of a NAAQS. These additional strategies are not federally enforceable as determined by EPA and are referred to as “state-only”, in support of the “Weight of Evidence” chapter in a SIP. Please see the SIPs webpage for past and current SIP documents.
Engage in the RAQC Control Strategy Committee and Workgroups
The RAQC’s Control Strategy Committee continues to actively evaluate and pursue effective air pollution control strategies in the DM/NFR. CSC’s monthly meetings are open to public and are aimed at getting stakeholder input throughout the process of considering control strategies. The RAQC also stands up workgroups on discrete control strategy topics as relevant. More information on active and historic workgroups is available on the CSC page.
Please visit the RAQC Committee Page for more information or sign-up to receive emails about upcoming meetings and relevant information.
Control Strategies Currently Under Consideration
The RAQC assesses, implements, and improves control strategies through the Control Strategy Committee and specific Work Groups to further develop and advance bold strategies. Strategies are currently being evaluated in the following categories:
- Oil and Gas Sources
- Indirect Sources
- Consumer Products
- Landscape Maintenance (Lawn & Garden) Equipment
- Zero-Emission Forklifts
- Mobile Source Emissions Targets
You can find brief, publicly-accessible summaries and links to relevant recent presentations for all control concepts that are currently under consideration as well as more information about the current strategy consideration process on the Control Strategy Concept Overviews page.
More information about the broader list of control strategies that the RAQC is assessing is available in the RAQC’s annual workplan. The RAQC also runs several programs that implement and promote control strategies and maintains a toolbox of strategies for local governments.
Previously considered and enacted strategies are documented on the Control Strategies Archive page. Historic Work Group efforts are documented on the RAQC’s Committees page.
Recently Considered and Adopted Control Strategies Now Being Implemented
- Lawn and Garden Emission Reduction Strategy (modified and adopted by the Air Quality Control Commission, Dec. 2023)
Submit an Idea
If you have an idea for an emission control strategy that you’d like the RAQC to investigate please fill out a suggestion form!