Fort Worth Secures Final Federal Funding to Combat Air Pollution

Overview of Federal Grant Approval

On June 24, the Fort Worth City Council approved a contract amendment to receive a $380,000 federal grant through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This funding supports the city’s air monitoring operations from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, marking the final installment in a series of federal grants aimed at improving air quality in Fort Worth and the surrounding metroplex.

Background and Funding History

• Initial agreement with TCEQ established in 2021, receiving $500,000 in federal funds from the Department of Homeland Security’s Whole Air Monitoring grant program.
• The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality administers these federal funds statewide.
• Through four contract renewals, Fort Worth has secured nearly $2 million to maintain and operate air quality monitoring stations.

Objectives and Responsibilities Under the Grant

The grant amendment supports Fort Worth’s efforts to:

1. Provide accurate air pollution data to monitor environmental health.
2. Ensure compliance of industrial and other facilities with air quality regulations.
3. Collect and analyze air filters and data regularly.
4. Perform audits and maintenance on air monitoring equipment.

Notably, the city is not required to provide matching funds for this grant.

Allocation of Grant Funds and Staffing

• $290,000 of the grant will fund new staff positions within the Environmental Services Department dedicated to air quality monitoring.
• Additional costs, estimated up to $19,600, will be recovered at a 10% rate through the grant.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Fort Worth’s air quality initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by reducing air pollutants that harm human health.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – through improved urban air quality management.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – by monitoring and mitigating air pollution contributing to climate change.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – via collaboration with federal and state agencies to secure funding and implement programs.

Regional Air Quality Planning and Challenges

The grant coincides with regional efforts by the North Central Texas Council of Governments to finalize the Dallas-Fort Worth Air Quality Improvement Plan by December. This plan targets improvements across 16 counties, addressing sectors such as transportation, energy, waste management, and water to reduce air pollution through 2050.

Key challenges include:

• Persistent exceedance of ground-level ozone limits since the 1990s.
• A federal deadline of 2027 to reduce ozone levels to 70 parts per billion or below.
• Potential penalties up to $45 million annually for violations under the EPA’s Clean Air Act.

Federal Policy Context and Future Outlook

Recent federal policy shifts, including proposals to roll back clean air protections, present uncertainties for environmental regulation and funding. Experts warn these changes may hinder progress on air quality improvements.

Despite these challenges, Fort Worth officials remain committed to identifying and securing funding opportunities to sustain and enhance the city’s air monitoring program.

Conclusion

The final federal grant awarded to Fort Worth represents a critical step in the city’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. By leveraging federal support and aligning with Sustainable Development Goals, Fort Worth aims to ensure cleaner air and a healthier community for current and future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on air pollution monitoring to protect human health in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Efforts to improve air quality in the city and metroplex contribute to making cities safer and more sustainable.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses federal environmental policies and regulations related to air quality and pollution control.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Reducing air pollutants helps protect ecosystems and biodiversity affected by pollution.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality improvements.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning, including air quality regulations.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems, which can be affected by air pollution.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Air Quality Monitoring Data
   • The article mentions the use of air quality monitors throughout Fort Worth to collect data on pollutants and toxins.
   • This data serves as an indicator to measure air pollution levels and compliance with air quality standards.
2. Ground-level Ozone Concentration
   • The article references the regional goal to reduce ozone levels to 70 parts per billion or under by 2027.
   • Ozone concentration is an indicator for assessing air quality improvements.
3. Compliance with Air Quality Regulations
   • Monitoring industrial sites for compliance with air quality regulations is an implied indicator of progress.
4. Federal Funding and Grant Utilization
   • The amount and renewal of federal grants for air monitoring programs can indicate sustained commitment and capacity to address air pollution.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: fortworthreport.org