Environmental Development

The HOTCOG Air Quality program began in January of 2010 as a result of the region’s being designated part of the Rider 8 Program, a program for communities near nonattainment of ozone standards, by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ.) The program began with a great sense of urgency, as expected changes in air quality standards threatened to lead to a status of “nonattainment” for part of or all of the Region. The public health and political ramifications of high ozone made this issue a top concern during fiscal year 2010.

The COG moved quickly to gather stakeholders, establish an Air Quality Advisory Committee, and secure qualified air quality consultants to begin assessment of the region’s ozone picture. It established a web site to advise citizens of ozone issues, including days at risk of high ozone readings, and engaged in a public awareness campaign, including multimedia advertising and numerous speaking opportunities around the community.

The Solid Waste Program began as a result of legislation which stipulated that each Council of Governments engage in planning for the solid waste management of its region. Since the original formation of the plan, the Solid Waste Program manages plan updates every four years, implements the items in the plan, and administers the Solid Waste Grant Program for the region. HOTCOG provides technical assistance concerning all aspects of solid waste management. Staff has also disseminated information identifying possible grant funding and training opportunities to local governments and has met with local officials in the region to assist with obtaining funds. Staff maintains a regional environmental resource center that is continually updated with the latest information and remains a valuable resource to the region.

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

Each biennium the Committee develops a regional funding plan outlining the eligible project categories and their respective priority, special funding considerations and the amount of funding available for solid waste projects. The public is given the opportunity to provide input regarding the regional funding plan through public hearings prior to the final adoption and notification of funding availability. The SWAC is charged with the scoring and ranking of implementation proposals submitted for funding.

Current Chairperson: Judge Jay Elliott

Solid Waste Grant Projects

HOTCOG receives funding for the Regional Solid Waste Grants Program from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). These funds are generated from the tipping fees collected at landfill sites across the state.

Public Outreach Education and Training

HOTCOG continues to provide training throughout the region on various topics pertaining to solid waste. The Solid Waste Planner participates in many awareness activities, including visits to schools and producing promotional materials.

• Keep Texas Beautiful is a network of dedicated Texans working together to make our state the best place to live, work and play.
• Drive Clean Across Texas is an initiative of the Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, launched in 2001 with the goal of raising awareness about the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality and motivating drivers to take steps to reduce air pollution.
• Keep Waco Beautiful is a non-profit organization composed mostly of your friends, neighbors and local businesses who are volunteering their time and efforts to help make Waco a beautiful place to live.
• Earth 911 is a lifestyle and media publishing website with impactful information to create a community that helps people find their own shade of green, adopt environmentally sound practices and drive impactful environmental changes.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the environmental agency for the state of Texas.