By Ted Fischer and Judy Sheahan
January 31, 2005

Charlotte Mayor Patrick McCrory, chairman of the Conference's Environmental Committee, led an in-depth mayoral discussion on environmental priorities and EPA's role in 2005. Joining the Mayors were Stephen Johnson, the Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Don Chen, Executive Director and founder of Smart Growth America also discussed land use and zoning decisions and how they impact the environment.

One of EPA's highest priority this year, Johnson indicated was clean air. "Cities are currently facing non-attainment issues for particulate matter as well as ozone," Johnson said, "EPA's main focus in 2005 is passing the Clear Skies Initiative."

He explained to the Mayors that the Clear Skies Initiative was a three pollutant bill including Mercury, Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Oxides. EPA is currently working with Senator James Inhofe (OK) to get legislation passed. Inhofe is Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee. When asked what would happen if Congress fails to act, Johnson replied, "If the Clear Skies Initiative stalls or falls to pass before March 15th then EPA will go ahead with regulations on Mercury, Sox and Nox." He added that, EPA's focus on Clear Skies is a high priority and a benefit to everyone; we are working to achieve attainment.

Johnson also mentioned that Brownfields, national water infrastructure and new innovations in technology were also priorities on EPA's 2005 agenda. "Brownfields is a very significant and important issue, with 30,000 jobs created from Brownfield development which is an amazing start," he added, "There is a great opportunity for improvement with better tracking results and more revitalized land," Johnson said.

"Even with the agency in transition, we are looking for opportunities to put the pieces together, more chances for collaboration with cities and localities and a deeper focus on technology which could address some of the problems we are currently facing," said Johnson. "We are also concerned with the aging of the current water infrastructure and it too is a priority for EPA." "EPA has an important agenda and we are looking forward to working with the mayors to achieve it."

Some of the Mayors expressed some concern with the Clear Skies Initiative and also asked that the President to take a lead on other environmental issues such as alternative fuels and energy.

McCrory said, "We need to continue to work with the administration because these problems are affecting city development and sustainability. I strongly believe that environmental issues should not be in a vacuum; that we deal with the environment on a holistic basis."

Don Chen, Executive Director and founder of Smart Growth America also spoke at the meeting. Smart Growth America is an organization which works with cities to assist with their development so as to achieve a sustainable future. Co-Chairs of the organization include former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening and former New Jersey Governor and EPA Administrator Christie Todd Whitman. Chen said, "I know it is hard for Mayors who have to run for election every 4 years to think far in advance," said Chen, "but we need to look toward the future and harness the resurgence of downtowns." Chen offered the Mayors information and resources to assist them in their efforts. For more information you can look to their website at smartgrowthamerica.org.