This call to action came to members of the HBA (Home Builders Association) from the President of that group. As members, we share it here because it’s so important and all of us can help:   

Your action is needed during the next 90 days to help comply with federal air pollution regulations. Failure to do so means we could receive a federal designation that could harm our local economy for the next 20 years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could place limitations on industry and construction projects or restrict the number of cars allowed on the road. It could even mean losing federal transportation funds for local governments. That’s not good for our industry and our business.

 Travis County Commissioner Karen Huber and Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell have taken the helm, urging residents to take action. That is why I am asking HBA members and their employees, subcontractors and vendors to take a leadership role in reducing air pollution.

1. A avoid rush hour traffic. Have crews start very early and end the day at off-peak hours. Since heat builds through the day, doing so also has safety benefits
2. Refuel vehicles after 6:00pm
3. Share a ride
4. Park and turn off your vehicle instead of idling
5. Bring lunch to work or school to reduce driving
6. Turn off lights ; use compact fluorescent light bulbs
7. Store paints, gas and lighter fluid in a garage or shed
8. Encourage your owners to paint during cooler months when there is not likely to be an Ozone Alert. 
9. Use gas powered lawn equipment after 6:00pm
10.  If you have a choice, use the more efficient equipment, especially heavy equipment. Additives like Oryxe that help diesel equipment run more efficiently
11. If buying new equipment, look to more efficient alternative fuels, like propane. The Texas General Land Office has grant programs for many of the counties in the Austin region
12. Conduct teleconferences or Web meetings instead of forcing people to drive. The HBA is distributing free “on-line plan room” software that allows your trades and suppliers to bid on projects without having to drive to your office to pick up a set and gives them estimating tools to cut down on waste or extra delivery trips.
13. Sign up for Ozone Action alerts at www.cleanairforce.org so you can encourage others to take action on critical days.

 Keep a record of what you do and submit it to the HBA. We will compile the entries and have the Green Builder Council prepare awards for the most engaged and effective programs. 

 I encourage you to join me and the HBA in overcoming this EPA threat.

 Sincerely,

 Wesley J. Peoples, President