The Environmental Protection Agency is working with communities to get clean air as soon as possible by entering into Early Action Compacts to reduce ground-level ozone pollution. Communities with Early Action Compacts will start reducing air pollution at least two years earlier than required by the Clean Air Act.

In December 2002, a number of states submitted compact agreements pledging to meet the 8-hour ozone standard earlier than required. The states had to meet a number of criteria, and had to agree to meet certain milestones. EPA will officially designate nonattainment areas in April 2004. However, as long as Early Action Compact Areas meet agreed upon milestones, the impact of the designations will be deferred.

Early Action Compacts require communities to:

• Develop and implement air pollution control strategies;
• Account for emissions growth, and;
• Achieve and maintain the national 8-hour ozone standard.