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Who can participate?
All local governments, businesses and organizations are encouraged to join the Partnership.
Current Partners
City of Moline
City of Bettendorf
City of Muscatine
Scott County
Muscatine County
Chuck Oestreich, QC TAG
John Deere
Edwards UCC (Davenport)
St. John’s Lutheran (Rock Island)
Joe L. Whitley, Citizen
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What is the Partnership?
In the summer of 2009, after grappling with high levels of ozone and particulate matter (PM 2.5) for several years, the Bi-State Regional Commission Air Quality Task Force suggested that a coalition of private and public entities be formed to tackle air pollution in the region. The resulting Partnership is a voluntary emissions reduction program. The Partnership Pledge consists of a list of activities that organizations can implement to reduce their emissions footprint and help the Bi-State Region remain in attainment.
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When should my organization join, and are there deadlines?
Bi-State encourages all local organizations to join NOW. It is never too early to begin improving air quality. Because the Partnership is a voluntary program, there are no deadlines for implementation. We only ask that every organization try to implement one activity in each air quality category. Bi-State will check back with Partners in one year to see what goals were accomplished and provide resources to help organizations overcome obstacles for harder-to-implement activities.
Where is the Partnership located?
The Partnership is a collaboration between public and private organizations in the Bi-State Region- Scott, Muscatine, Henry, Rock Island and Mercer Counties. The Partnership is facilitated by the Bi-State Regional Commission located in the Rock Island County Building. More information on the Partnership can be found at www.bistateonline.org.
Why does the Bi-State Region need a Partnership, and why should my organization join?
Since Fall 1998, the Bi-State Region has been alerted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IADNR) and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (ILEPA) that the metropolitan area and small urban communities such as Muscatine, Iowa have experienced a few days where air quality levels in the atmosphere have been considered unhealthy. Although the general air quality in the Bi-State Region is considered good by many of the standards for pollutants, there are recent National Ambient Air Quality Standards that have revised thresholds for concentrations of ozone and fine particulates based on health considerations. It is this health-based threshold that concern area officials and the state agencies. Slipping into non-attainment for these pollutants could mean more stringent regulations and loss of economic opportunities.
Joining the Partnership will highlight and bring to the attention of consumers and constituents, businesses and organizations that are making an effort to improve the air quality in our communities and beyond. Every reduction in pollution will increase economic opportunities as the buffer between the region’s emission levels and non-attainment is increased. Partners that accomplish reduction activity goals will be featured on the Partnership website and in advertising and will have access to resources to help their organization achieve set goals.
How does my organization join?
Just fill out the Bi-State Region Partnership Checklist and Pledge and return to:
Bi-State Regional Commission
1504 Third Avenue, P.O. Box 3368
Rock Island, IL 61204
or fax to:
Bi-State Regional Commission
(309) 793-6305
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Bi State Region Clean Air Pledge.pdf
