Poisons in polluted air constitute a definite hazard to the general welfare and health of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Some of this pollution is derived from the internal combustion engine. Until recently, however, little has been done to control the quantity or quality of mobile source emissions. It is now apparent, however, that these emissions will have to be reduced in many areas of the State in order to stay within the minimum air quality standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Realizing that emissions of automotive equipment cannot be entirely eliminated, the Virginia State Legislature, in House Joint Resolution 254 (offered January 29, 1973), directed the Secretary of Transportation and Public Safety to "explore and encourage the development of all means of transportation which will reduce air pollution while efficiently and economically serving the citizens of Virginia; and to report annually on programs and progress to the Governor and the General Assembly."

"Transportation Source Air Pollution in Virginia" (House Document No. 24; January, 1974), a report of the Secretary of Transportation and Public Safety to the Governor and General Assembly, examined the transportation-related air pollution problem in Virginia. House Document 24 was presented as a result of the requirements of House Joint Resolution 254. The study developed five categories of alternative transportation strategies which, if implemented, could reduce the effect of automotive air pollution in the State. These categories are: (1) vehicle oriented strategies, (2) strategies to reduce vehicular traffic, (3) strategies to improve traffic flow, (4) strategies to reduce pollution concentration, and (5) other strategies. The purpose of this report is to indicate the progress which is being made in these areas.

One of the objectives of the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation has been to encourage activities and projects which reduce pollution, congestion, and fuel consumption. The activities and projects to date are either direct or indirect applications of the aforementioned categories of alternative transportation strategies, with particular application to categories 2, 3 and 4. Many existing and planned projects of the Department are discussed in the report as they relate to air pollution reduction. Studies and reports developed by the Department's Transportation Planning Division and Environmental Quality Division recognize the importance of the air pollution problem with regard to various types of projects.

Reports of the Department's Transportation Coordination Division and research conducted by the Virginia Highway and Transportation Research Council are also presented. These studies, if implemented, could result in further reductions in air pollution within the State.

The report concludes that the success of the various projects discussed indicates that progress is being made in the effort to reduce energy consumption, congestion, and air pollution. Therefore, it is essential for the Department and other agencies to continue to encourage and participate in programs which will promote multiple occupancy of vehicles and efficient use of the automobile, as well as provide for less restricted traffic flow. It is further concluded that additional research is needed to determine other methods of reducing transportation-related air pollution. Financial assistance, which is presently available for various projects which must comply with air quality standards, may soon be required to support programs and research which are concerned specifically with improving the State's air quality.

Finally, this report recognizes that each individual citizen must assume responsibility for the success or failure of programs intended to reduce air pollution. Public acceptance of these programs, particularly transit and carpooling, is essential, and the State should remain responsive to the needs and desires of the public in determining future policy positions concerning the improvement of Virginia's air quality.