FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2006
EAC summit set
COLUMBIA — South Carolinians involved in efforts to achieve cleaner air will meet in Columbia Aug. 16 & 17, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“This is the first of its kind meeting to be held in the state,” said Myra C. Reece, chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality. “This is a unique opportunity to bring together the many stakeholders involved in the Early Action Compact process and to share experiences that have been beneficial in improving our air quality. Local support will continue to be important as we work together on current and future issues that may impact the quality of the air we breathe.”
Reece said DHEC has working relationships with local governments and other stakeholders to implement the Early Action Compacts as the state works to achieve ‘Cleaner Air Sooner.’ The EAC process is offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to allow local solutions to meet the increasing stringent national standards for ground-level ozone.
“Among the topics for discussion will be energy conservation, diesel retrofit technology, land use planning, innovative education and outreach, health and lifestyle impacts, finding funding to support projects and commuting options,” Reece said.
Reece said Bill Wehrum, the EPA’s acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation, will be the keynote speaker. Also on the agenda is Mark MacLeod, director of special projects for the Washington-based office of Environmental Defense. MacLeod will speak about climate change and steps to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information on the 2006 EAC Summit, contact Michael Monroe at monroemc@dhec.sc.gov or (803) 898-3261. Visit DHEC’s Web site for information and registration at www.scdhec.gov/baq/.
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For more information:
Thom Berry (803) 898-3885
berrytw@dhec.sc.gov
BNR1722