Air Quality Action Planning: Template and Video Training Modules for International Audiences

EPA plans air quality control actions to bring an airshed into attainment and to protect human health and the environment. An essential element of this planning is development of an Air Quality Action Plan, which provides a framework for addressing a specific air-pollution problem. An Action Plan describes:

• the problem and its geographic extent,
• the pollution sources and levels of concern,
• the proposed actions, and
• implementation schedules.

An Air Quality Action Plan is developed with stakeholder input and is designed to be revisited periodically and shared with all interested parties.  

To support other countries seeking to learn more about Air Quality Action Plans, EPA has developed an air quality action plan template and educational video series. The template and videos can be used to learn how EPA outlines specific control measures leading to quantifiable reductions in air pollution emissions. These resources are currently available in English.

EPA developed these training materials with Environmental Protection Administration Taiwan (EPAT) and Battelle Institute, under the International Environmental Partnership (IEP), to provide capacity building support to address transboundary environmental challenges. One component of the IEP is the South and Southeast Asia – Air Improvements in the Region (SSEA-AIR) program, which strives to build capacity and share best practices in the Asia-Pacific region to accomplish on-the-ground actions to reduce air pollution.

• Learn more about EPA’s cooperation with Taiwan

Action Plan Templates and Videos

The Action Plan Template is the primary material used to plan a specific air quality action identified by the user. The “Completed Template” serves as an example of a completed Action Plan Template for the user’s reference.

• View the Action Plan Template and Completed Template 

The Action Plan Training Video Series guides the user through each section of the Action Plan Template and provides instruction on supplementary tools and materials that may be employed to complete the action plan. More detail about the subjects of the individual videos can be found in the descriptions below.

• View the playlist with the full set of Action Plan Training Videos 

Video 1: This video introduces the SSEA-AIR program, the concept of an Air Quality Action Plan, and components of an Air Quality Action Plan. The module also includes examples of actions, outputs, stakeholders, and other possible Action Plan elements.

• View Video 1

Video 2: This video provides details and examples of the first three components of a Air Quality Action Plan Template, including the goals and objectives of your plan, a description of the area where air pollution is a concern (that being the airshed or portion of the airshed), the pollutant (or pollutants) of concern, a description of current air quality and emissions sources, and a description of the Action, or Actions, to be implemented. Real-world case studies from the region are included.

• View Video 2 

Video 3: This video provides details and examples of sections four through six in the Air Quality Action Plan Template, including development of a schedule for implementation, involvement of the public and other stakeholders, and the development of a communication plan. Real-world case studies from the region are included.

• View Video 3 

Video 4: This video provides details and examples of the last five sections of the Air Quality Action Plan Template. These sections cover management of costs, risk, and quality, as well as the section for key contacts and supporting appendices related to the Action Plan. A review of success metrics is also provided so that Action Plans can be monitored and evaluated.

• View Video 4 

Contacts

For additional information about EPA's work with Environmental Protection Administration Taiwan, contact: