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The Mid-South Clean Air Coalition (CAC) is a broad-based coalition of government, health, utility, transportation and business organizations from West Memphis, Arkansas, DeSoto County, Mississippi, Fayette and Shelby County Tennessee that are committed to improving air quality in our communities. Currently there are approximately 150 members of the coalition that meet on a regular basis to work toward improving our air quality.
The Role of the Mid-South Clean Air Coalition (CAC)
- Consult and educate government, business and industry, educational institutions and the general public on air quality issues;
- Promote coordination and communication within the region and ensure that the various federal, state, local governmental agencies and other interested corporations remain involved in air quality actions throughout the region;
- Consult and assist government agencies in determining, implementing and administering voluntary and mandatory control measures to improve air quality; and
- Work in conjunction with local officials, state departments, and legislators to draft and enact legislation that improves air quality.
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Coalition Purpose
- To facilitate the development, adoption and implementation of a clean air plan to maintain compliance with the federal 8-hour ozone standard for the counties of Shelby, Tennessee and Crittenden Arkansas.
- To establish and monitor a regional effort toward the improvement of air quality.
- To develop policies and strategies that will provide guidance for each of its independent governing bodies about actions that will achieve clean air in Shelby and Crittenden.
- To work cooperatively to achieve clean air standards that will protect public health and yet allow local governments the flexibility to select measures best suited to each community's needs and resources.
- To develop plans for attaining clean air that reaches an appropriate accommodation between essential economic activity such as manufacturing and transportation, and the need for clean air.
- To educate the community about the existence and causes of air pollution, especially ozone, and the effects that pollutants have on the health, environment, and economy of the community.
- To educate the community about what can be done to improve air quality, and the benefits that can be derived from these actions. The "Cool 5" Tips is an example.
"Cool 5" Tips
- Stop at the Click
When refueling your vehicle, " Stop at the Click". One ounce of spilled gasoline will evaporate to produce the same ozone-producing VOC emissions as a car driving 56 miles.
- Link the Trips
When you start your car after it's been sitting for more than an hour, it pollutes up to five times more than when the engine's warm. That's why combining errands into one sensible trip is more effective and reduces air pollution. This means more time in your life, less traffic congestion and less pollution - which all add up to cleaner air.
So make a list and plan your route and trip chain accordingly. You'll be saving a lot more than just time!
- Share the Ride
Consider carpooling, mass transit, biking or walking to reduce air pollution improve your health. You'll reduce your stress from driving in traffic and the amount of money leaving your wallet!
Even if you do it only once or twice a week, you'll reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and save money. The average driver spends about 56 cents per mile, including ownership and maintenance.
- Don't Stand Idle: Be a Memphis Idol for Cleaner Air
If you're going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds (except in traffic), you'll save fuel and money by turning off the vehicle and then restarting it when you're ready to drive again. Every 30 minutes of idling costs you nearly one-tenth of a gallon in wasted fuel - and more than three-tenths of a gallon if your vehicle has an eight-cylinder engine!
- Mow When the Sun is Low
Gallon for gallon - or, given the size of lawnmower tanks, quart for quart - 2006 lawn mower engines contribute 93 times more smog-forming emissions than 2006 cars.
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Helpful Links Regarding Air Quality
What You Should Know About Ozone?
Why is Ozone Pollution a Summer Challenge?
Clean Air Driving Tips
Chill Out and Breathe Easy
How Can You Help Reduce Air Pollution in Our Community?
Memphis and Shelby County Air Pollution Section
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