Ozone Transport Commission

 

The overall goal of the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) grant is to facilitate collaboration among the OTC jurisdictions, notably the State Environmental Commissioners/Secretaries, State Air Directors and their staff, to assist them in reducing ozone precursor emissions in their states and in representing their ozone related issues to the EPA. The focus of the OTC is to ensure real results in air quality improvement in the Ozone Transport Region. The OTC brings together the State members to coordinate reductions in air pollution to benefit the entire region. The Ozone Transport Commission (OTC or the Commission) is the single regional multi-state organization created under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAA) responsible for advising EPA on ground-level ozone and its precursor pollutant transport issues. The Commission is responsible for developing and implementing regional solutions to the ground-level ozone problem in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States. As directed under the CAA, EPA awards grants to the Commission under the authority of Section 106 of the CAA. Section 184 of the CAA established the Ozone Transport Region (OTR) that, by law, develops and recommends regional strategies for cleaning up air pollution. Funding Priorities - Fiscal Year 2023: The OTCs work continues to help states develop state implementation plans through collaboration on coordinated state-level controls, as appropriate, that will reduce the formation and transport of ozone into and within the Ozone transport Region (OTR). Key ozone reduction strategies being pursued or under consideration by OTC members include transportation and building electrification, and low- and zero-emission electricity generation. These efforts will reduce ozone precursor pollution while also having co-benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels as well as reducing pollutants that disproportionately impact disadvantaged communities.

Active 66.033 Environmental Protection Agency B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2016 The OTC Modeling Committee continued to move forward with its work plan to fulfill the charge from the Commission from the OTC Fall 2015 meeting and assist the other Committees with modeling support. The OTC and its Committees activities have increased significantly given the nexus of continued development of recommendations to facilitate the work of OTC states to meet the 2008 ozone NAAQS, continued work to assist states on the 110(a)(2)(d) good neighbor provision of the CAA, working collaboratively on regionally significant national measures under development from EPA, planning for states and regional activities under the revised ozone standard finalized on October 1, 2015, and working collaboratively with states across a region encompassing the eastern United States. The Modeling Committee continued development and testing of the next generation, 2011based, modeling platform. This platform corresponds with EPA's updated modeling platform and will use EPA data when appropriate to maintain consistency and reduce costs. The Modeling Committee has shifted its 2018 projection inventory development to include a 2017 projection year to support states attainment SIPs. The majority of the committee's work focused on processing the second version of EPA's emissions inventory for photochemical modeling. Work also began on the development of a technical support document for the modeling platform as well as documentation necessary for SIP submittal The OTC Modeling Committee continued to move forward with its work plan to fulfill the charge from the Commission from the OTC Fall 2015 meeting and assist the other Committees with modeling support. The OTC and its Committees activities have increased significantly given the nexus of continued development of recommendations to facilitate the work of OTC states to meet the 2008 ozone NAAQS, continued work to assist states on the 110(a)(2)(d) good neighbor provision of the CAA, working collaboratively on regionally significant national measures under development from EPA, planning for states and regional activities under the revised ozone standard finalized on October 1, 2015, and working collaboratively with states across a region encompassing the eastern United States. The Modeling Committee continued development and testing of the next generation, 2011 based, modeling platform. This platform corresponds with EPA's updated modeling platform and will use EPA data when appropriate to maintain consistency and reduce costs. The Modeling Committee has shifted its 2018 projection inventory development to include a 2017 projection year to support states attainment SIPs. The majority of the committee's work focused on processing the second version of EPA's emissions inventory for photochemical modeling. Work also began on the development of a technical support document for the modeling platform as well as documentation necessary for SIP submittal.
Fiscal Year 2018 The Stationary and Area Source (SAS) Committee and the Mobile Source Committee (MSC) continued to develop draft model rules for regional ozone control measures. During this quarter, the SAS Committee workgroups worked on addressing the charges given by the Commission at the 2017 Fall Meeting. The main charge required the Committee to perform technical analyses to calculate & document emissions reductions and develop cost estimates for the three SAS strategies formalized in the Good Neighbor State Implementation Plan (GN SIP) Resolution. The emissions reductions from these strategies which cover sources inside & outside of the OTR will be used in photochemical modeling to help OTC states include these measures in their GN SIPs. The Largest Contributors Workgroup worked on two of these strategies, i.e. calculating emissions reductions from and costs of: 1. optimizing the use of existing SCR or SNCR NOx control technology on coal-fired EGUs each day of ozone season, and 2. installing SCR or SNCR control technology on uncontrolled coal-fired EGUs & optimize use of such technology each day of the ozone season. Results of photochemical modeling (which is currently underway) and cost estimates (which are ready) will be presented to the Commission in the June meeting. The Control Measures Workgroup is working on the 3rd strategy which deals with calculating the emissions reductions gained from adopting the “OTC Model Rule for Control of NOx Emissions From Natural Gas Pipeline Compressor Fuel-Fired Prime Movers” in GN SIPs. This work is ongoing and the results are expected before the June meeting. In addressing the standing SAS charge requiring periodic updates of the OTC Model Rule on Consumer Products, the Consumer Products Workgroup revised and updated the current (Phase IV) Consumer Products Model Rule based on California standards. The new Phase V Model Rule includes several new categories, excludes a few, requires more stringent VOC limits for existing categories, has revised definition language, and an optional 3 year sell through limit for existing products that do not comply with VOC limits. The new Model Rule has been posted on the OTC website for public comment with a deadline of May 11, 2018. The Mobile Source Committee (MSC) began its work fulfilling the charge given to it at 2017 Fall Meeting. The MSC continued to follow developments with policies affecting aftermarket catalytic converters including having conversations with EPA including Regions 1, 2 and 3 in response to the resolution adopted by the Committee at the Spring Meeting. The MSC finished work on recommendations on policies to reduce vehicle idling regionally and continued work on an idling educational toolkit. The MSC completed collection of survey data concerning state progress in implementing several programs and initiatives. Finally, the MSC developed preliminary estimates of emission reductions that could be achieved both inside and outside the OTR. Both the SAS and MSC are working with a broad range of industry and other stakeholders, states and regional organizations both within and outside the OTR, and EPA offices to develop a framework for control measurement programs based on OTC Model Rules which are significant not only to eastern region but have national applicability in addressing the sources contributing to ozone formation and transport. In addition, on January 5, 2018 the OTC submitted its comments on EPA’s “Proposed Rule on the Repeal of Emission Requirements for Glider Vehicles, Glider Engines, and Glider Kits”. OTC opposes the adoption of this Proposed Rule as it could potentially result in an increase in air pollution with adverse public health impacts. OTC continued its efforts in coordinating with EPA to discuss state implementation plan development and related issues. Discussions with non-OTR states included the progress of ERTAC (the Eastern Regional Technical Advisory Committee) focused on developing a model for electricity generation and emissions from EGUs, a tool that incorporates state collected data and information on EGUs, and how to coordinate with other Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs) on modeling work and the need for federal measures to enable some OTC states attain the 2008 and the 2015 Ozone NAAQS standards. The OTC also participated in the Federal/RPOs technical collaborative including participating in a workgroup that developed broad recommendations for the next base-year to use in modeling platforms. OTC is participating and providing leadership in a multi-regional and EPA collaborative approach to develop emissions inventories and the next photochemical modeling platform. The OTC and other states continue to rely on the 2011 modeling platform for making projections, particularly with control measures applied. The OTC Modeling Committee and staff provide critical work to ensure the region’s technical analysis and decision-making are using the best modeling available. The OTC has completed several project milestones which resulted in the following policy products (now available on OTC website at https://otcair.org/document.asp?Fview=Report): 1) Finalized and published a “Regulatory and Technical Guideline for Control of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Emissions from Natural Gas Pipeline Compressor Fuel-Fired Prime Movers”, and the accompanying “Technical Support Documentation” for “Analysis of Technical Feasibility & Cost Effectiveness”, May 23, 2019. 2) Finalized and published an “Analysis of the Potential Health Impacts of Reducing Ozone Levels in the OTR Using BenMAP – 2018 Edition” February 2, 2019. 3) Finalized and published a “Regulatory & Technical Guideline for Consumer Products Phase V” and the accompanying “Technical Support Documentation” for emissions reductions and cost analyses, 11/20/2018. 4) Finalized and published a “2011-Based Modeling Platform Support Document” October 18, 2018.
Fiscal Year 2019 The OTC has completed several project milestones which resulted in the policy products available on OTC's website at https://otcair.org/document.asp?fview=Report. The report lists products by year, including 2018 and 2019.
Fiscal Year 2023 The Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) provided support to the OTC Modeling Committee’s work on air quality modeling and emission inventory development though stakeholder engagement, development and refinement of modeling platform, maintaining and updating emissions inventories, and tracking ozone trends and transport patterns into and within the Ozone Transport Region (OTR). Overall, the OTC worked with EPA to reduce ozone transport and ozone pollution. The OTC also provided continued support to the OTC Stationary and Area Sources Committee and Mobile Sources Committee in assessing ozone control strategies and measures. Through these efforts, the OTC engaged in communication outreach and air quality research to reduce air pollution. Clean Air Act, Section 106 An agency or commission designated by the Governors of the affected States, which can recommend to those Governors' plans for implementation of national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards and which includes representation from the States and the appropriate political subdivisions within the affected air quality control region. Municipalities, intermunicipalities, States, interstate agencies or commissions, and Federally recognized Indian tribes. The application must supply evidence of legal authority for air pollution control, evidence of the availability of non-federal matching funds, evidence that the Governor or his designated State agency has been given the opportunity to comment on the relationship of the program to be funded to the State plan and a workable program officially adopted for the agency. Preapplication coordination is not applicable. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Applicants, except in limited circumstances approved by the Agency, must submit all initial applications for funding through Grants.gov. Discussions or informal meetings with the Headquarters Program Office concerning program preparation are advisable. Each application shall be subjected to administrative coordination to determine adequacy in relation to grant regulations, and to technical and program evaluation to determine merit and relevancy of the project. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines From 30 to 60 days. Approximately 60 days. Disputes will be resolved under 2 CFR 1500 Subpart E, as applicable. None. A standard grant application should be prepared and submitted electronically as a new grant using Grants.gov , which will be reviewed in the same manner as the original application. Not applicable. Assistance funds may be used for costs specifically incurred in the conduct of interstate pollution projects in accordance with the purposes enumerated in the approved application. Performance Reports: Grantees are required to perform performance monitoring in accordance with Agency policy and requirements stated in the Uniform Grants Guidance 2 CFR 200.329. Grants and cooperative agreements are subject to inspections and audits by the Comptroller General of the United States, the EPA Office of Inspector General, other EPA staff, or any authorized representative of the Federal government. Reviews by the EPA Project Officer and the Grants Specialist may occur each year. Recipients must keep financial records, including all documents supporting entries on accounting records and to substantiate changes in grants available to personnel authorized to examine EPA recipients grants and cooperative agreements records. Recipients must maintain all records until 3 years from the date of submission of final expenditure reports as required by 2 CFR 200.334. If questions, such as those raised because of audits remain following the 3-year period, recipients must retain records until the matter is completely resolved. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is mandatory. 40%. Upon initial designation by the Governors of the affected States, pursuant to Sections 106 or 111 of the Clean Air Act of 1990, the Administrator is authorized to pay for up to 2 years, and up to 100 percent of the air quality planning program costs of a designated commission or interstate agency. After the initial 2-year period, the Administrator is authorized to make grants to such agency or such commission in amounts up to 3/5 of its air quality management plan costs.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. The terms of the grant shall be determined at the time of grant award. Assistance agreements are incrementally funded. EPA encourages potential applicants to communicate with the appropriate program contacts listed below. Ashley Thompson
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation,
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (Mail Code: 6102A)
Washington, DC 20460 US
thompson.ashley.m@epa.gov
Phone: 202-564-3633 https://otcair.org/ 68-0103-0-1-304 (Cooperative Agreements (Discretionary Grants)) FY 22$639,000.00; FY 23 est $639,000.00; FY 24 est $700,000.00; FY 21$639,000.00; FY 20$639,000.00; FY 19$639,000.00; FY 18$639,000.00; FY 17$639,000.00; FY 16$639,000.00; - There is only one cooperative agreement awarded under this program. The cooperative agreement will range from $600,000 to $700,000/fiscal year with an average award of $639,000. 2 CFR 200 and 1500 (EPA Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards; 40 CFR Part 33 (Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in United States Environmental Protection Agency Programs). Not applicable.