United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air, Climate, and Energy
STRATEGIC RESEARCH
ACTION PLAN 2012-2016
Office of Research and Development
Air, Climate and Energy
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EPA 601/R-12/003
Air, Climate, and Energy
Strategic Research Action Plan 2012 - 2016
AIR CLI MATE EN ERGY
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
February 2012
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary 4
Introduction 6
Problem Statement 6
Program Vision 7
Research Supports EPA Priorities and Mandates 9
Statutory and Policy Context 9
EPA Priorities 10
Program Design 11
Producing an Integrated Program 11
Collaborating Across Research Programs 12
Developing Partnerships from the Start 13
Research Themes and Priority Science Questions 15
Theme 1: Assess Impacts 17
Theme 2: Prevent and Reduce Emissions 21
Theme 3: Respond to Changes in Climate and Air Quality 25
Conclusion 28
Summary Tables of Outputs and Outcomes 29
Theme 1. Assess Impacts 29
Theme 2. Prevent and Reduce Emissions 34
Theme 3. Respond to Changes in Climate and Air Quality 39
References 42
Research Program Partners and Stakeholders 44
Acronyms 45
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Executive Summary
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moves forward, it is necessary to more fully
understand the interplay between air, climate change, and the changing energy landscape to
develop innovative and sustainable solutions to improve air quality and address climate change.
American communities face serious health and environmental challenges from air pollution
and the growing effects of climate change, both of which are intricately linked with current and
future energy options. Improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and
developing adaptation strategies to address climate change are central to the Agency's mis-
sion to protect public health and the environment. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) moves forward, it is necessary to more fully understand the interplay between air, climate
change, and the changing energy landscape to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to
improve air quality and address climate change.
To accomplish this goal, EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) has designed a
new, integrated research program for Air, Climate, and Energy (ACE) that builds on the highly
successful, policy-relevant research that the Agency has conducted in the areas of air pollution
and climate change.
During the past several decades, air quality in the United States has improved significantly. Dur-
ing this time period, ORD research, in keeping with its Clean Air Act (CAA) mandate, has played
a central role in demonstrating that exposure to air pollution remains a major health concern,
as it can lead to damage to the cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, nervous and reproductive
systems, as well as cancer and death. These findings have provided the scientific basis of the
statutory requirements of the CAA and directly contributed to the Office of Management and
Budget's estimates that the benefits of air pollution regulations far exceed their costs.
Despite this progress in improving air quality, millions of people still live in counties that do not
meet air quality standards for one or more pollutants.
Global GHG emissions continue to rise and have been shown to lead to a range of major and
potentially adverse effects on the environment and public welfare. In response to EPA's finding
that greenhouse gases threaten public health and the environment (2009 Endangerment and
Cause or Contribute Findings for GHGs), ORD is producing scientific information to support and
respond to the Agency's efforts to meet its legal, statutory, and policy requirements in a chang-
ing climate, including informing climate mitigation (i.e., reducing concentrations of pollutants that
contribute to a changing climate) and adaptation (i.e., coping with the environmental effects due
to a changing climate) choices toward sustainable, resilient solutions.
The impacts of air quality and climate change are heavily influenced by the energy choices of
the United States and the world. As the demand for energy increases, along with shifts to clean
energy alternatives, it is necessary to understand the interaction between air quality and climate
change, and the potential impacts on human and environmental health.
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With active participation from internal EPA partners, such as EPA program and regional offices,
as well as external stakeholders, the major problems faced by EPA decision-makers that span
air, climate, and energy were identified. These discussions brought to the forefront the need for
research that informs policy choices and subsequently examines:
• The multipollutant nature of air pollution and the development of effective air
quality strategies;
• The impacts of climate change and the interactions between adaptation and
mitigation;
• The human health and environmental impacts of current and future energy
options;
• The populations most susceptible to poor air quality and the populations and
ecosystems most vulnerable to climate change;
• The expanding and contracting scales of environmental problems that range
from global to local; and
• The social, behavioral, and economic factors that influence the effectiveness
of air quality and climate policies.
The policy-re levant research needed by EPA partners will provide the science to:
• Assess Impacts — Assess human and ecosystem exposures and effects
associated with air pollutants and climate change at individual, community,
regional, and global scales (Research Theme 1);
Prevent and Reduce Emissions —Provide data and tools to develop and
evaluate approaches to prevent and reduce emissions of pollutants to the
atmosphere, particularly environmentally sustainable, cost-effective, and in-
novative multipollutant and sector-based approaches (Research Theme 2);
and,
Respond to Changes in Climate and Air Quality — Provide human ex-
posure and environmental modeling, monitoring, metrics and information
needed by individuals, communities, and governmental agencies to adapt to
the impacts of climate change and make public health decisions regarding air
quality (Research Theme 3).
EPA designed the ACE research program to address the increasingly complex environmental
issues that we face in the 21st century. To effectively address these issues, it is necessary to
move toward more integrated, transdisciplinary research and away from strategies that focus
on a single pollutant and its impact on a single human organ or species in an ecosystem.
This requires interaction and active discussions with the other ORD research programs, EPA
partners, other federal agencies, and external stakeholders to facilitate a seamless research
program that clearly identifies crosscutting issues that can be integrated within and across
research areas to support the goals of the Agency.
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Introduction
Ambient air pollution can have significant
adverse consequences on human health
and the environment. Research conducted
and supported by ORD has demonstrated
that exposure to air pollution can lead to a
range of health effects including, but not
limited to, respiratory and cardiovascular
effects and mortality. Great advances in understanding the human and environmental
health impacts of air pollution along with the development of technologies, tools and
models to prevent and reduce air pollution have led to greatly improved air quality over
the last 40 years. Even so, millions of people in the United States still live in counties
that do not meet air quality standards for one or more pollutants.
Global climate change can have a range of ma-
jor and potentially adverse effects on water re-
sources, agriculture, wildlife, ecosystems, and
the built environment (i.e., energy, infrastruc-
ture, and settlements).1 Additionally, changes
in climate can lead to higher concentrations
of harmful air pollutants, and the presence of
some air pollutants in the atmosphere also can
accelerate climate change. With global emis-
sions of GHGs increasing and projected to
continue to increase unless action is taken to
reduce these emissions, there is compelling
evidence that the public health and welfare of
current and future generations are at risk.1
Energy to produce and transport goods, move
people, and support the productive and grow-
ing economy of the United States is central to
the issues of air quality and climate change.
Energy production and use has major impacts
on both air quality and climate with conven-
tional energy options generally representing a
major source of air pollution emissions includ-
ing GHGs. As demand for goods and services
grows in concert with an expanding population,
current energy technologies will place further
pressure on climate and air quality.2
In light of these facts, President Obama has
proposed a goal to produce 80 percent of the
electricity in the United States from clean en-
ergy sources by 2035.3 Although it remains un-
clear what future energy options will emerge, it
is evident that the United States and the world
face a rapidly changing energy landscape
with associated changes in impacts on human
health and the environment.
Problem Statement
The problems that span the nexus of air, cli-
mate, and energy, as well as the major re-
search needs identified by EPA partners and
stakeholders, form the basis of the overarching
problem statement that will govern the ACE re-
search agenda:
Protecting health and the environment from
the impacts of climate change and air qual-
ity in a sustainable manner are central 21st
century challenges. These challenges are
complicated by the interplay between air
quality, the changing climate, and emerging
energy options.
Integrating the research issues inherent in the
problem statement into a seamless research
program that addresses air quality, climate
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change, and energy presents a substantial
challenge to any research organization. From
an EPA research perspective, however, it also
presents an opportunity. Combining air, climate,
and energy research activities enable the de-
velopment of sustainable, integrated solutions
that have synergistic benefits for public health,
the environment, and the economy.
Program Vision
To date, EPA's Clean Air, Global Change, and
Biofuels research programs have supported
and conducted research that has improved the
human and environmental health of the Unit-
ed States. These research programs individu-
ally have directly supported: the promulgation
of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS), the development of the Endanger-
ment and Cause or Contribute Findings for
GHGs, and the implementation of the Renew-
able Fuel Standard. Additionally, each of these
programs has produced cutting-edge science
leading to significant advances, including a
more thorough understanding of the source to
health effect continuum of particulate matter
(PM),4the development of complex multipollut-
ant atmospheric models such as Community
Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ), and a detailed
evaluation of the impacts of climate change
through a series of Synthesis and Assessment
reports.5
Problem Statement:
Protecting health and the
environment from the impacts of
climate change and air quality in
a sustainable manner are central
21st century challenges. These
challenges are complicated by the
interplay between air quality, the
changing climate, and emerging
energy options.
VISION:
EPA provides the cutting-edge
scientific information and tools to
support EPA's strategic goals of
protecting and improving air quality
and taking action on climate change
in a sustainable manner.
Research conducted under the Clean Air
component of ACE—the longest-running
component of the ACE portfolio—has been
a fundamental part of EPA's success in
improving the Nation's air quality. Although
the broad scope of the benefits realized
from EPA air research programs is in part
unquantifiable, the White House Office of
Management and Budget has estimated that
the NAAQS has accounted for approximately
94 to 97 percent of estimated benefits from all
EPA regulations and approximately 60 to 87
s Oomesiic Product
Aggregate Emissions
(Six Common Pollutants)
80 90 95 96 97 93 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09
Figure 1. The changing economic, population, and environmental status of the U.S., 1970-2009.7
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percent of estimated benefits across all federal
agencies.6These benefits include reductions
in the number of hospital admissions and
emergency department visits, fewer lost
work and school days, and lower numbers of
premature deaths. Additional research has
indicated that improvements in air quality have
led to an increase in life expectancy.
These improvements in air quality and public
health resulting from EPA's air programs
(i.e., research and regulatory) are illustrated
in Figure 1, and highlights the substantial
reductions in PM10, nitrogen oxides, volatile
organic compounds, carbon monoxide (CO),
and sulfur dioxide (SO2) since 1970, even
as the gross domestic product and vehicle
miles traveled have nearly doubled. The work
of ORD was instrumental in providing the
scientific and technical foundation for these
achievements.
The full benefits of EPA's achievements in
clean air, however, have not been shared by
all, nor have they been guaranteed for the
future. Even with the economic and public and
environmental health improvements that have
occurred concurrently during the last 40 years:
Approximately 127 million Americans lived
in counties that did not meet the air quality
standard for at least one pollutant in 2008;8
GHG emissions continue to increase in
parallel with population growth and energy
consumption, threatening public and
environmental health; and
The landscape of energy sources
and technologies is changing, leading
to uncertainty as to the impacts of
future energy choices on human and
environmental health.
With past accomplishments forming the
foundation for meeting future challenges, the
vision of the ACE research program is to:
Provide the cutting-edge scientific information
and tools to support EPA's strategic goals of
protecting and improving air quality and taking
action on climate change in a sustainable
manner.
The ACE research program builds on its
record of highly relevant and exceptionally
valuable science, while incorporating
sustainability concepts, to continue to inform
the Agency's development of policies that
create enormous benefits for public health, the
environment, and the national economy.
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Research Supports EPA Priorities
and Mandates
Statutory and Policy Context
The ACE research program will conduct research to support EPA's programs mandated by the
Clean Air Act (CAA). In doing so, it will foster innovative approaches to ensure clean air in the
context of a changing climate and evolving communities and energy options.
Under the CAA, the Agency is required
to set air quality standards to protect the
public health and environmental welfare of
the Nation. For six common air pollutants
(PM, ozone, SO2 nitrogen dioxide, CO, and
lead) that are widely distributed across the
country, EPA establishes National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Although
regulated individually, collectively particulate
matter and ozone account for the majority
of adverse health effects resulting from air
pollution.9 In addition to the NAAQS pollutants,
the CAA requires EPA to regulate emissions
of hazardous air pollutants or air toxics.
These pollutants are those that are known or
suspected to cause cancer or other serious
health or environmental effects.
In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court determined
that GHGs are air pollutants as defined
by the CAA. The Court held that the EPA
Administrator must therefore determine
whether or not emissions of GHGs from new
motor vehicles cause or contribute to air
pollution that may reasonably be anticipated
to endanger public health or welfare or
whether the science is too uncertain to make a
reasoned decision.
In 2009, after extensively reviewing the
full weight of scientific evidence and the
thousands of public comments received, the
EPA Administrator issued the Endangerment
and Cause or Contribute Findings for GHGs
under Section 202(a) of the CAA.1 The
finding concludes that GHGs endanger public
health and welfare, including but not limited
to impacts on air quality, heat events, water
resources, ecosystems, sea level rise and
coastal areas, energy, infrastructure, and
settlements.
Such climate change impacts may also
have important implications for programs
developed under other statutes such as the
Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.
To provide the scientific foundation for EPA's
efforts to meet its legal, statutory, and policy
requirements in a changing climate, the ACE
research program will inform climate mitigation
and adaptation choices towards sustainable,
resilient solutions with maximum benefits for
the Nation's people and environments.
The American Clean Energy Leadership Act
of 2009 requires research to evaluate the
impact of energy development and production
on water resources, as well as the emissions
attributed to alternative transportation fuels.10
The requirement builds on the mandates of
the Energy Independence and Security Act of
2007,11 which requires EPA to: (1) develop and
implement the Renewable Fuel Standard to
substantially increase the volume of renewable
fuels (primarily biofuels) into the national
transportation fuel system and (2) produce a
triennial report to Congress summarizing the
environmental impacts of the production and
use of associated greater volumes of biofuels.
The ACE research program must develop the
knowledge to enable EPA's responses to the
changing energy landscape and the resulting
environmental implications.
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ERA'S Priorities:
Taking action on climate change
Improving air quality
Assuring the safety of chemicals
Cleaning up our communities
Protecting America's waters
Expanding the conversation on
environmentalism and working for
environmental justice
Building strong state and tribal
partnerships
EPA Priorities
EPA's record of success in protecting public
and environmental health over the Agency's
40 year history has relied on building a strong
scientific foundation to support policies that
reduce the adverse effects of air pollution.
Today, protecting the air quality of the Nation is
still at the forefront of EPA's mission. Growing
concerns about climate change have also
become a top priority.
These priorities are reflected in Goal 1 of
EPA's FY 2011-2015 Strategic Plan, Achieving
our Vision (EPA, 2011): "Taking Action on
Climate Change and Improving Air Quality."8
The goal recognizes that there are inherent
relationships between air quality and the
changing climate. Further, the human and
environmental health impacts of both air
quality and climate change are heavily
influenced by the energy choices of the United
States and the world.
As a result, achieving the goal of protecting
human health and the environment by taking
action on climate change and improving
air quality is not possible without also
understanding the Nation's evolving energy
landscape.
It is through the EPA's Air, Climate, and Energy
research program that the Agency will conduct
research to support the development of
sustainable solutions that prevent and reduce
all forms of air pollution, protecting the public
and environmental health of the United States.
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Program Design
Producing an Integrated Program
The impacts of air quality and climate change are heavily influenced by the energy choices
of the United States and the world. As the demand for energy increases, along with changes
expected to accompany shifts toward clean energy alternatives, it is necessary to understand
the interactions between air quality and climate change, and the associated potential impacts
on human and environmental health. Furthermore, the ACE research program also must
include research that is systems-based to account for interactions across social, economic, and
environmental domains (Figure 2).
Earth Systems
Ambient AirQu
Pall utart De pcsr
Exposures to and Effects on:
Ecosystems * Watersheds
Figure 2. Integration of Air, Climate, and Energy.
The issues of air pollution, climate change,
and energy are closely connected and those
connections have been recognized by a
variety of scientific organizations, including the
National Academy of Sciences (MAS) and the
U.S. Global Change Research Program.1213
These issues cut across a broad range of
human, industrial, and natural systems such
that narrowly defined approaches to reducing
air pollutant and GHG emissions may have
unintended consequences, today and into the
future.
Therefore, the ACE research program is
designed to more closely integrate research
Climate
in the areas of air, climate
change, and energy and
to extend this research to
better incorporate economic
and social factors that
may influence anticipated
environmental results.
The design of the research
program will leverage expertise
and capabilities across EPA
and from external stakeholders
to support the development of
effective, sustainable policies.
The ACE research program
builds on the strong foundation
that has been established
in predecessor programs
in EPA's Office of Research
and Development (ORD),
including the Clean Air, Global Change, and
Biofuels research programs. Through these,
ORD has developed significant expertise
and capabilities related to science questions
that span the source to outcome paradigm,
including source emissions characterization
and control, atmospheric chemistry, air
quality modeling, ambient measurements,
human exposure assessment, epidemiology,
toxicology, and human clinical research. The
specific applications within these areas of
expertise will evolve with the ACE research
program, but the fundamental scientific
capabilities will remain as key components of
the program.
Adapted from IPCC, 2007.1
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Collaborating Across Research Programs
The physical, biological, and human behaviors underlying the environmental impacts related to
air, climate, and energy do not have distinct boundaries defined by discipline or organizational
structure. The ACE research program, as well as the other ORD research programs, therefore
must be designed in a manner that allows them to continuously evolve as the science changes
and conduct work across disciplines and boundaries. This will require constant and effective
communication and coordination within the ACE research program, with other ORD programs,
and with both internal EPA partners, and external collaborators.
An effective ACE research program first
requires the proper integration of research
activities across air, climate, and energy to
form one coherent theme. Areas of commonal-
ity will be identified to enhance the transition
from three previously separate programs into
one research program, including data needs,
models, and measurements, as well as stress-
ors that contribute to human and ecosystem
responses.
The ACE research program will effectively in-
tegrate with the other ORD research programs
(see box) to ensure that EPA's science is able
to support the development of sustainable
solutions to environmental problems. Active
communication will facilitate cross-program
involvement in research planning and allow for
the identification of opportunities to leverage
research activities.
EPA's Six Integrated
Research Programs:
Air, Climate, and Energy (ACE)
Safe and Sustainable Water
Resources (SSWR)
Chemical Safety for Sustainability
(CSS)
Sustainable and Healthy
Communities (SHC)
Human Health Risk Assessment
(HHRA)
Homeland Security (HS) Research
Examples of collaborative ACE work with other
ORD research programs include:
• Chemical Safety for Sustainability
(CSS)—ACE researchers and their
partners from the CSS research program
are collaborating to reduce exposure
to hazardous air pollutants through the
development of "green" chemicals and
other products that eliminate or reduce the
use of toxic substances.
• Human Health Risk Assessment
(HHRA)—ACE and HHRA researchers are
working together to supply research results
to inform the development of Integrated
Science Assessments for criteria air
pollutants.
• Sustainable and Healthy Communities
(SHC)—ACE and SHC scientists are
collaborating to better understand how
exposure to air pollutants from roadways
can be reduced/prevented by the design
of communities and the placement of
roadways.
• Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
(SSWR)—ACE and SSWR researchers
are studying how the impacts of climate
change can affect water availability and
quality, the potential for exposure to
different pathogens, and the composition
and health of ecosystems.
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Developing Partnerships from the Start
Adequately addressing the current and future
problems that encompass the nexus of air,
climate, and energy requires input from those
who will use the research products produced
by the ACE research program.
Ongoing interactions with internal EPA
partners, primarily program offices (i.e. EPA
Office of Air and Radiation, EPA Office of
Water, etc.) and the Agency's ten regional
offices from around the country, and external
stakeholders have been crucial to identifying
the major problems that EPA decision-makers
face related to air, climate, and energy. These
communications brought to the forefront
the need for research that supports policy
priorities by examining:
• The multipollutant nature of air pollution
and the development of more sustainable
and innovative multipollutant air
quality management strategies that
simultaneously improve air quality and
reduce GHG emissions;
• The impacts of climate change and the
interactions between adaptation and
mitigation to support the development of
future climate change policies, as well as
guidance on the most critical actions to
take in the near term;
• The human health and environmental
impacts of current and future energy
alternatives;
• The expanding and contracting scales of
environmental problems that range from
global to local; and
• The social, behavioral and economic
factors that influence the effectiveness of
air quality and climate policies.
The research needs identified above form the
underlying basis of the research agenda of the
ACE research program, and are consistent
with national priority research needs identified
by preeminent science advisory groups. For
example:
• The National Academy of Science's
National Research Council (NRC)
recommended that EPA adopt a broader
multipollutant research perspective, which
was further supported by the EPA's Board
of Scientific Counselors;15>16
• The NRC called on the federal government
to provide "state-of-the-art information on
climate change, its impacts, and response
options"; 17
• The Biomass Research and Development
Board has identified a growing need
for "systematic evaluation of the impact
of expanded biofuel production on the
environment (including forest land) and
on the food supply for humans and
animals, including the improvement and
development of tools for life cycle analysis
of current and potential biofuels";18 and
• The National Science and Technology
Council Subcommittee on Social,
Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
stressed the importance and need for
understanding the social, behavioral,
and economic factors that influence
the relationship between energy, the
environment, and human dynamics.19
Additionally, ACE will work with relevant
agencies across the federal government
to develop coordinated, government-wide
research approaches to support effective
responses to air, climate, and energy
issues. A coordinated, cross-agency effort
is needed to take full advantage of the
expertise and research being conducted
across the federal government that can
be applied to address these complex
problems. For example, the ACE research
program will build on and leverage existing
relationships with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, the
National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and the U.S. Department of
Energy. The program also will work to form
relationships with other federal agencies.
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The coordination with other federal
agencies will include interactions with
individual agencies, as well as multi-agency
interactions through the Air Quality Research
Subcommittee and the Global Change
Research Subcommittee of the National
Science and Technology Council's Committee
on the Environment, Natural Resources, and
Sustainability.
In addition, the ACE research program will
continue its interactions with the global re-
search community to stay abreast of the state
of the science and identify the most promising
results that can aid in achieving the program's
goals.
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Research Themes and Priority
Science Questions
EPA's extensive capabilities in health and ecological research, exposure and atmospheric sci-
ences, measurement and control technologies, and systems analysis, form a core for develop-
ing major research efforts that address the key science problems identified by EPA partners and
external stakeholders.
The ACE research program is designed to
provide research results that meet EPA needs,
fill gaps within the broader efforts across
the federal government, and complement
the research being conducted by the larger
scientific community.
The three ACE research themes described
below flow from the problems identified in the
previous section and will provide the science
to:
Assess Impacts—Assess human and
ecosystem exposures and effects
associated with air pollutants and climate
change at individual, community, regional,
and global scales (Research Theme 1);
Prevent and Reduce Emissions—
Provide data and tools to develop and
evaluate approaches to prevent and
reduce emissions of pollutants into the
atmosphere, particularly environmentally
sustainable, cost-effective, and innovative
multipollutant and sector-based
approaches (Research Theme 2); and
Respond to Changes in Climate and Air
Quality—Provide human exposure and
environmental modeling, monitoring,
metrics and information needed
by individuals, communities, and
governmental agencies to adapt to the
impacts of climate change and make public
health decisions regarding air quality
(Research Theme 3).
These research themes are intentionally
designed to guide integrated research
that considers issues in the context of the
interactions among the domains of air,
Figure 3. ACE Research Themes
climate, and energy, as opposed to focusing
specifically on air, climate, or energy
individually. In addition, as depicted in Figure
3, research within the ACE program may cut
across multiple themes. Research conducted
at the intersections of the themes will present
the greatest opportunities for transdisciplinary
research.
Consistent with the principles and
characteristics of ORD's overall research
program, the ACE research themes and
science questions are unified through a call
for sustainable and innovative solutions to
environmental problems. Research results
to address the sustainability and innovation
objectives will draw from activities that cut
across the ACE research themes and science,
and will require integration at the program
level.
The ACE research program has identified the
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following five signature projects, which provide
a strategic vision for the sustainability and
innovative aspects of the entire program.
l. Protecting Human and Ecosystem
Health in a Changing Energy
Landscape.
2. Developing Sustainable Climate
Adaptation and Mitigation Approaches.
3. Changing the Paradigm for Air Pollution
Monitoring.
4. Developing a One Environment
Modeling System.
5. Developing Green Chemistry
Alternative for Toxic Solvents.
The following narratives for each research
theme provide a brief overview of the key
research drivers for the theme. Each research
theme contains broad science questions that
are intended to enable staff to apply their
expertise and innovation in shaping specific
research projects.
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Theme 1: Assess Impacts
Research Objective: Assess human and ecosystem exposures and effects associated with air
pollutants and climate change at individual, community, regional, and global scales.
The human and ecosystem effects of air
pollution and climate change occur at multiple
scales and result from exposures to a mixture
of pollutants in the atmosphere. Exposure
and effects also are impacted by complex
interactions between climate change and air
quality. Social behavior, too, impacts how
much human exposure may occur, and the
resulting effects. Furthermore, economics
and energy choices significantly influence the
amount and composition of emissions and the
sources of air pollutants.
In addition, the identification of potentially
susceptible populations (i.e., individual- and
population-level characteristics, as well as
exposure differences, that lead to increased
risk of air pollutant-related effects, both for
human health and ecosystems) must also be
factored into these complex interactions to
inform the decision-making process.
New and existing methods and models need
to be deployed in transdisciplinary studies to
assess all of these complex interactions and
factors that ultimately impact public health and
the environment.
Science Questions
What are the multipollutant exposures and
effects, and integrated impacts, of climate
change on air and water quality, and on
human and ecosystem health?
Related Research: Transdisciplinary,
source-to-outcome research will be
conducted to assess multipollutant
exposures and health effects in
field and laboratory settings, such
as research related to near-road
environments, which include complex
mixtures of particles, criteria gases and
organic compounds.
Models and methods will be enhanced
and applied to assess human and
environmental impacts of air pollution
and climate change at individual,
community, regional, national, and
international scales. In addition,
models from multiple disciplines
will be linked to conduct integrated
analyses of the impacts of pollutants
in the atmosphere. For example, one
approach might include using currently
available models (e.g., the CMAQ
model) and potentially new models to
link economic, air quality, water quality,
land use, human and ecosystem
exposures to more thoroughly assess
the broad impacts of pollutants from
alternative energy scenarios.
To achieve the principles of sustainable
approaches, integrated assessments
would include analyses of both
expected and potential unintended
impacts of scenarios as they are put
into use, such as considering the likely
indoor air exposures that individuals
will face in tighter, more energy efficient
homes and buildings. In essence, the
overarching concept is one of systems
interactions and intelligent assessment
of the positive and negative impacts of
human activities.
What innovative approaches are needed
to enhance the assessment of human and
environmental exposures and effects of
pollutants in the atmosphere?
Related Research: Currently
available information and indicators
will be examined and expanded to
include additional components (e.g.,
multipollutant/multistressor indices to
incorporate climate impacts) in order
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to advance three areas: (1) develop
new indices that would inform the
development of new policies by EPA
partners, (2) measure progress toward
environmental goals, (3) and provide
information for communities.
Additionally, currently available
technologies would be examined to
develop innovative approaches—such
as inexpensive personal monitors built
into mobile communication devices—to
estimate personal exposures quickly
and inexpensively and, subsequently,
the impacts of air pollution.
What are the characteristics of populations
and ecosystems that are susceptible to
effects from exposure to air pollutants and
climate change impacts?
Related Research: Integrated
approaches will be developed to
assess the physical, biological,
and systemic factors that result in
increased susceptibility to air pollutant-
related effects. This will include the
identification of biological mechanisms
that impact susceptibility and key
exposure factors. It will also include the
examination of the interaction between
behavior, and social and economic
factors to more thoroughly understand
how they may inform research
outcomes and impact strategies to
protect public health.
Recent scientific findings suggest the
possibility that greater numbers of
people are susceptible to air pollution-
related health effects, such as those
with diabetes or certain genetic
polymorphisms (genetic variations
among individuals), than previously
thought.
Research is also needed to identify
the factors that result in ecosystems
being highly susceptible to changes in
climate or to climate-driven changes
(e.g., changes in seasonal temperature
and precipitation patterns). In addition,
climate change can exacerbate the
adverse impacts of other stressors
already present, such as water and air
pollution and changes in surrounding
land use, leading to increased
susceptibility to climate-related
damage.
What are the key uncertainties and data
gaps that need to be addressed to inform
review of National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS)?
Related Research: Research on human
and ecosystem exposure and effects will
be conducted to inform future NAAQS
reviews. The Clean Air Act requires
a review the NAAQS for each criteria
pollutant every five years. The NAAQS
review process identifies key uncertainties
and knowledge gaps that will help guide
ACE priorities on human and ecosystem
effects research to inform future decisions.
Illustrative Outputs/ Products/Outcomes
Example 1: Since people actually breathe a
mixture of air pollutants and not one pollutant
at a time, EPA researchers are investigating
new scientific approaches for assessing the
health effects resulting from exposures to
multiple air pollutants.
Example Output:
A synthesis publication that describes whether
cardiopulmonary health effects caused by
exposure of healthy and potentially susceptible
humans (e.g., older adults, asthmatics) to
simple mixtures of air pollutants are worse
than the sum of those observed after exposure
to single pollutants (i.e. pollutants in a mixture
may interact with one another resulting in a
more toxic mixture than would be expected
based on our current knowledge of the toxicity
of individual pollutants).
Research products contributing to this
output:
• A peer-reviewed publication comparing the
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cardiovascular health effects in humans
exposed to: (1) concentrated ambient
particles, (2) nitrogen dioxide, and (3)
concentrated ambient particles and
nitrogen dioxide together.
• A peer-reviewed publication evaluating
the combined health effects of ozone
and agents of climate change (e.g,
temperature) in humans.
Expected outcome of the research: These
studies will provide key information needed
by the OAR as it transitions from a single
pollutant to a multi-pollutant approach to
managing air quality. The Agency has new
methods and approaches to examine,
integrate, and assess the effects of
multipollutant exposures in toxicological,
epidemiologic and controlled human exposure
studies to provide more realistic estimates of
air pollution impacts on public health.
Example 2: EPA researchers are enhancing
EPA's air quality modeling tools, integrating
important advances in atmospheric science.
Example Output
Public releases of the Community Multiscale
Air Quality (CMAQ) multipollutant modeling
system. This model is pre-eminent in the
air quality regulatory community to evaluate
alternative approaches to control strategies
to reduce air pollutant concentrations and
health risks. The model evolves continually
with the science incorporating meteorology,
pollutant emission data, state-of-the-art
atmospheric science to reduce uncertainties
and guide air pollution control decisions at the
state and local level. The model is used by
thousands of government entities in the US
and internationally as part of a larger group of
interactive air quality regulators.
Research products contributing to this
output:
Improved understanding of how the
various layers of the atmosphere, created
by weather and thermal properties, mix
with one another over time and space, and
subsequently how these layers are affected
by land use and local micro-meteorology.
Collectively, this information will enhance
the predictive value of CMAQ and related
models.
An initial assessment of whether
computational chemistry can be used to
investigate critical reactions that may take
place within ambient aerosols.
Improved understanding of the most
sensitive contributing factors involved
in particle formation in the atmosphere,
such as various gaseous precursors, to
enhance the ability of the CMAQ model to
predict particulate concentrations.
Evaluation of the new version of the CMAQ
model (5.1) to ensure operational reliability
and to minimize remaining uncertainties.
Expected outcome of this research: Air quality
management activities conducted by EPA and
by Agency stakeholders are enhanced through
the application of EPA multipollutant modeling
tools and methods.
Example 3: This area of research involves
assessing the impacts of climate change on
different species and habitats.
Example Output:
A synthesis document assessing the vulner-
ability of near-coastal species and habitats to
individual and multiple climate altering pollut-
ants in specific regions of the United States.
Research products contributing to this
output:
• An article synthesizing the 29-year record
of near-coastal sea-surface temperatures
in the North Pacific, including database of
processed sea surface-temperature data in
the North Pacific and U.S. Arctic for use in
climate modeling.
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• A web-based decision-support and
outreach tool to predict the vulnerability of
near-coastal species and habitats.
Expected outcome of the research: Efforts by
EPA and Agency stakeholders to help adapt
to the impacts of climate change are targeted
effectively toward vulnerable human and eco-
logical populations.
Impact
The Agency possesses the tools and knowl-
edge to identify the impacts of air pollution and
climate change on human health and ecosys-
tems to support the development of policies
and approaches to fully protect the public and
the ecological health of the Nation.
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Theme 2: Prevent and Reduce Emissions
Research Objective: Provide data and tools to develop and evaluate approaches to prevent
and reduce emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere; advance sustainable, cost-effective, and
innovative multipollutant and sector-based approaches.
When making environmental decisions, policy-
makers are challenged by the complex envi-
ronmental, economic, and social interactions
of various options. More cost-effective and
innovative measures are needed to prevent
and reduce emissions to meet the standards
and regulations that lead to improvements in
air quality. It is clear that approaches to reduc-
ing GHG emissions will create even greater
complexity and challenges.
As a result, there is a growing recognition of
the need for multipollutant and sustainable
strategies that prevent air pollution of all types
without unintended environmental conse-
quences to land or water. Policy-makers are
exploring technical and policy approaches that
simultaneously address multiple pollutants as
an alternative to the one-pollutant-at-a-time
approach.
In addition, policy-makers also need to un-
derstand how international emissions of air
pollutants impact the effectiveness of domes-
tic environmental policies and how domestic
emissions impact other countries. Research is
also needed to evaluate and assess actions to
reduce or eliminate the gases and other com-
pounds that contribute to climate change. With
national policies promoting innovation and
adoption of clean energy technologies, EPA
research plays an important role in analyzing
the full life-cycle impacts of technology options
to ensure that the clean energy choices of the
future are indeed better for the environment as
a whole.
Finally, environmental policies are only as
effective as the actual emission reductions
achieved. Innovative approaches to measure
source and ambient pollutant concentrations
provide opportunities to improve implementa-
tion and enforcement of environmental poli-
cies.
Science Questions
What tools are needed to support the
management of air pollution problems,
at the different scales of time and space,
associated with different pollutants and
effects?
Related Research: Methods and
models will be developed and
evaluated to support multiscale
management (e.g., from local
communities to national and global
management efforts) of pollutants in the
atmosphere. These tools will be used
to understand synergies and tradeoffs
associated with various mitigation and
prevention options, including air-water-
climate interactions.
Research activities that aim to address
this science question also will provide
the support for the evaluation of near-
and long-term benefits and impacts of
management strategies.
What methods need to be developed
and data obtained to conduct life-cycle
analyses of alternative pollution reduction
and energy options to inform EPA and
other local, regional, national, and
international decisions regarding the most
sustainable and cost-effective uses of
resources?
Related Research: ACE researchers
will develop methods, models, and data
for life-cycle assessments of traditional
and alternative energy systems and
their impact on air pollution and climate
change. Impacts considered will include
costs, performance, and the effects
on human health, water quality, and
ecosystems.
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Additional life-cycle analyses will
assess the impacts of anticipated and
alternative strategies for achieving
national energy and environmental
goals. An example is an analysis
considering the use of biofuels for
transportation, including the evaluation
of potential alternative strategies that
may improve the sustainable use of
limited resources.
What innovative monitoring technologies
are needed to support the implementation
of management strategies to prevent and
reduce air pollution?
Related Research: Innovative
technologies for monitoring multiple
pollutants at sources and in the ambient
air will be developed, evaluated, and
adapted for a range of needs including
community information, compliance
and enforcement, regional and national
assessments, and air quality planning.
In particular, portable sensor
technologies will be developed that
provide real-time, continuous source
and ambient data. Such technologies
will enable fair, accurate and
responsive assessments of reported
violations of air pollution emissions and
improve overall implementation of clean
air regulations.
Analytical and data management
tools will also be developed, which will
enable local, regional, and national
managers to evaluate the effectiveness
of air pollution reduction strategies on
an ongoing basis.
What are the most efficient integrated,
sustainable pollution reduction and
prevention solutions?
Related Research: The performance
and cost of technologies will be
evaluated to enable comprehensive
management of sources that co-emit:
criteria pollutants, GHGs and other
climate-forcing gases and aerosols,
and toxic air pollutants. Evaluations will
be done in ways that address not only
air pollution problems, but also consider
implications on water quality, and
quantity and disposal of any wastes
generated by the air pollution controls.
Additionally, methods, data, and
models will be developed to enable
the development of atmospheric
pollutant management strategies that
account for the behaviors of institutions
and individuals in response to those
strategies.
What methods and tools need to be
developed to support implementation of
NAAQS?
Related Research: Source and
ambient monitoring methods and air
quality modeling tools will be developed
and evaluated to meet the needs
of EPA and state/local agencies in
implementing NAAQS.
Illustrative Outputs/Products/Outcomes
Example 1: A new approach for monitoring air
pollution in the U. S.
Research studies are investigating multiple
approaches for improving and integrating
measurements of air pollution to achieve
better spatial coverage, real time data and
reduced costs
Example output:
Synthesis of findings to describe how satellite
data can be used to infer surface air pollution
conditions more quantitatively. , This would
enhance abilities to predict air pollution levels
as well as assess emissions in a changing
environment.
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Research products contributing to this
output:
Summary report that evaluates currently
available trace gas and aerosol profiles
and identifies current/future needs and
gaps and potential opportunities, such as
ground based LIDAR and spectrometers.
• Journal articles providing a fundamental
understanding of how satellite data can
be used to infer surface conditions more
quantitatively.
Completed method for the use of inferring
surface spatial distributions of key
pollutants from satellites.
Expected outcome of this research: New
methods are incorporated into monitoring
networks and compliance monitoring activities
to enhance national coverage at a finer scale
of detail, and/or reduce monitoring costs.
Example 2: Science to support analyses of
alternative energy options.
EPA researchers are working with EPA policy
partners to help assess the full costs of
alternative energy options.
Example output:
White paper on the effectiveness of particular
alternative energy scenarios for regulatory and
technology assessment.
Research product contributing to this
output:
Development of possible future energy
technology and policy scenarios for the
MARKet Allocation (MARKAL) energy
system model to support regulatory impact
analyses (RIAs). Scenarios could include
development of algae-based biofuels
or policies that support greater use of
renewable energy for electricity generation.
Expected outcome of the research: The
Agency has tools and analyses to identify
the full cost of alternative energy options,
including the systematic evaluation of
multimedia impacts and potential tradeoffs
between environmental, social, and
economic objectives.
Example 3: Emissions from oil and gas
production.
EPA scientists are using advanced techniques
to examine air pollution emissions from oil and
gas production operations.
Example output:
Report on methane and volatile organic
compound emissions from oil and gas
production operations using advanced source
assessment technologies such as geospatial
mapping, off-site remote and direct fugitive
leak measurement, and infrared camera
sensing.
Research products contributing to this
output:
Geospatial database (web report) on
volatile organic compound and GHG
emissions from select oil and gas
production activities.
• Journal article on volatile organic
compound and GHG emissions for select
oil and gas production activities.
• Journal article on exposure estimates from
select oil and gas production operations.
Expected outcome of the research: Decision
makers have well-documented, high-quality
emissions data from oil and gas production
processes to enable development of effective
air quality management strategies and
approaches to reducing GHG emissions.
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Impact
The Agency will have the models and tools
needed to develop approaches at various
scales (e.g., local, regional, and national) to
effectively implement the NAAQS and un-
derstand the emissions implications of future
policy and technology conditions. Air quality
management strategies simultaneously ad-
dress multiple pollutants to effectively reduce
and ultimately prevent air pollution emissions
leading to further improvement of the public
and ecological health of the Nation.
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Theme 3: Respond to Changes in Climate
and Air Quality
Research Objective: Provide human exposure and environmental modeling, monitoring,
metrics, and information needed by individuals, communities, and governmental agencies to
adapt to the impacts of climate change and make public health decisions regarding air quality.
The impacts of climate change have the
potential to undermine environmental progress
and policies, including successful efforts
to improve air and water quality, reduce
exposures, and improve public and ecosystem
health. Although mitigating GHG emissions to
minimize future climate changes is crucial, it
also is necessary to develop the information
to minimize and adapt to the adverse impacts
caused by unavoidable changes in the climate.
In addition, tools and information are
needed to allow for the development of
community- and individual-level strategies
to reduce exposures to air pollution. This
includes providing the necessary data to
guide informed decision-making, as well
as a thorough understanding of the public
perceptions, behavioral responses, and
social and economic factors that influence
the decision-making process. Therefore,
developing information and tools to allow
communities and individuals to adapt to the
impacts of climate change and make informed
decisions regarding air quality is critical.
In addition, the identification of populations
and ecosystems that are the most vulnerable
to (i.e., least able to cope with) the adverse
effects of climate change will allow for more
targeted adaptation approaches.13 EPA has an
important role to play in providing information
that will help a wide range of stakeholders
implement adaptation strategies both
structurally and through policy decisions.
Science Questions
What are the most effective alternative
adaptation strategies, focusing on the most
vulnerable individuals, communities, and
ecosystems?
Releated Research: To most
effectively target available resources,
policy-makers need to understand
which populations and ecosystems face
the greatest risks to the adverse effects
of climate change.
ACE research efforts will develop
methods and tools to improve the
understanding of the location, extent,
and type of vulnerabilities faced by
populations, ecosystems, and the
built environment. This information,
in combination with an understanding
of the potential impacts of adaptation
actions, can help inform decisions that
are flexible and appropriate.
Research also will develop approaches
to support adaptation risk management
to enable decision-makers to identify
priority adaptation actions and
anticipate other related, perhaps less
obvious co-benefits or, alternatively,
unintended consequences.
It is recognized that approaches
taken to adapt to climate change
can have environmental and public
health consequences that may not
be specifically addressed within this
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science question. For example, the
construction of protective barriers
against flooding and sea level rise
may damage shoreline ecosystems.
Also, in a warming climate individuals
may spend more time indoors in air
conditioned environments. This, in
turn, will spark an, increased demand
for electricity, leading to greater air
pollution emissions and water demands
on the same days that tend to have
the most potential for high ground-
level ozone concentrations and when
water availability for power generation
may be at its lowest. Methods and
models will be developed and applied
to understanding these types of
interactions and responses to develop
sustainable adaptation strategies.
What innovative methods are needed to
inform individual- and community-level
adaptation to climate chance and decision
making regarding air quality?
Related Research: Information and
communication technologies are rapidly
evolving, with new and enhanced tools
being continually introduced to the
market place. These tools have great
potential to support climate change
adaptation strategies.
EPA already utilizes communication
technologies (e.g., Enviroflash, UV
Index App) to provide individuals with
information that allows them to adapt or
make informed public health decisions
in response to current environmental
conditions.
The effectiveness of these types of
tools on behavioral responses will be
assessed for human health impacts of
air pollution and climate change.
Geographic information systems
(GIS) can provide easily understood
visualizations of complex, location-
based sets of information and data,
allowing for informed decision-making
aimed at limiting adverse impacts
attributed to climate change, and
reducing exposures to air pollution,
respectively. ACE research will
advance the use of GIS to provide
information concerning the scope and
type of impacts associated with climate
change, and the development and
delivery of accessible, user-friendly
of data, such as information on the
climate and air related to different urban
planning scenarios.
What are the social, behavioral, and
economic factors that may hinder the
ability of communities and individuals to
implement adaptation strategies for climate
change and make informed decisions
regarding air quality?
Related Research: Community- and
individual-level responses to prevent
and reduce climate change impacts
and exposures to air pollution are
influenced by social, behavioral,
economic, and other systems that
exhibit nondeterministic behaviors that
are not easily modeled or predicted.
These consequences can have
impacts that cascade well beyond
the immediate actions of policies and
approaches, often in unexpected ways.
For instance, climate change can
impact energy systems by affecting
crop yields, which subsequently could
impact the production of the same
alternative fuels intended to address
climate change in the first place.
There is a need to develop approaches
that integrate across complex systems
and explicitly incorporate methods to
describe complex system behavior.
Illustrative Outputs/Products/Outcomes
Example 1: Planning for the impacts of climate
change.
EPA scientists are studying the central chal-
lenges of climate change adaptation planning.
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Example output:
road applications.
Analyses of the impacts, co-benefits, and
potential unintended consequences of climate
change adaptation strategies.
Research products contributing to this
output:
• A synthesis article that addresses the chal-
lenge of planning climate change adapta-
tion actions when regional-scale climate
impacts are uncertain, the barriers to incor-
poration of scientific information into plan-
ning processes, and the potential value
of Robust Decision Making (RDM)-type
methods for surmounting these obstacles.
• A report on the use of RDM methods and
the applicability of these methods to the
key actions identified in the EPA's National
Water Program Climate Change Strategy.
• A synthesis of lessons learned from the
Office of Water RDM report, with potential
application to air quality management,
waste siting, and public health.
Expected outcome of this research: Local
and regional entities involved in making
decisions regarding mitigation and adap-
tation measures are better able to effec-
tively incorporate scientific information on
climate change into the decision-making
process.
Example 2: Responding to Near Road Air Pol-
lution.
Several EPA studies are investigating how
communities and susceptible individuals re-
spond to near road traffic emissions.
Example output:
Synthesis of findings from the Near-Road
Exposure and Effects from Urban Air Pollut-
ants Study including human exposure, health
impacts, and source apportionment results
and enhancement of modeling tools for near-
Research products contributing to this
output:
• Journal article describing how much error
is caused by the use of community moni-
toring versus indoor and exposure monitor-
ing and what impact this has on the deter-
mination of the size of the resulting health
effect in epidemiologic studies.
• Journal articles reporting results of
highway air pollutant gradient analysis and
spatial and temporal analysis of near-road
and industrial source impacts.
• Journal articles describing near-roadway
pollution toxicology and how near-roadway
exposure to air pollutants impacts asthma
aggravation, inflammation and oxidative
stress, and respiratory viral infections.
Expected outcome of this research:
Individuals and communities have tools and
data available to make timely and informed
decisions to reduce exposure to air pollution,
and track progress toward achieving goals.
The Agency and its stakeholders develop
and implement effective policies to mitigate
exposures and effects of air pollutants near
sources.
Impact
EPA develops approaches to enable
individuals, communities, businesses, and
government agencies to effectively respond
to the impacts of climate change and excess
air pollution. Information is available to all
decision-makers to enable them to develop
near- and long-term approaches for adapting
to unavoidable impacts of climate change,
thereby protecting human health and welfare
and ecosystems and the services they
provide.
This strategic research plan broadly
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Conclusion
The EPA Air, Climate, and Energy research program is designed to address the key science
needs to support the Agency in meeting its strategic goals of protecting and improving air quality
and taking action on climate change in a sustainable manner.
defines the major research issues related
to air pollution, climate change, and the
environmental impacts of energy options.
These issues were identified through an
ongoing dialog between EPA's Office of
Research and Development (ORD) and the
Agency's program and regional partners.
The plan was independently reviewed by the
EPA Science Advisory Board and Board of
Scientific Counselors to ensure that it focuses
on the most pressing issues.
The ACE plan strategically recognizes
the growing complexity of environmental
problems and the need to address them in a
holistic approach. Accordingly, it emphasizes
actions that strengthen connections with the
other ORD research programs, and with an
expanded range of EPA partners and external
stakeholders.
In taking these initial steps toward centering
research on air, climate, and energy around
a need to develop sustainable solutions to
the Nation's environmental problems, the
ACE research program represents a part
of a coordinated ORD and EPA approach
to environmental protection based on
sustainability.
This plan is the result of many discussions
that included a wide range of perspectives
regarding research needs for EPA's actions
on air pollution and climate change and as
such, reflects the needs of decision-makers at
federal, regional, state, tribal, and local scales,
as well as the need to advance the Agency's
understanding of environmental science.
These diverse perspectives reflect the ACE
research program's commitment to working
toward sustainable solutions that address
the environmental problems of today while
seeking to avoid or minimize environmental
problems in the future.
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Summary Tables of Outputs and Outcomes
The following tables list the expected outputs from the Air, Climate, and Energy Research
Program along with the associated partner outcomes. Although each output is listed under
a single theme and science question, many of them serve to answer multiple questions, as
indicated in the third column.
Theme 1. Assess Impacts - Assess human and
ecosystem exposures and effects associated with
air pollutants and climate change at individual,
community, regional and global scales.
Science Question 1.1: What are the multipollutant exposures and effects and integrated impacts of
climate change on air and water quality and human and ecosystem health?
Outcomes: Agency decisions related to air quality management and climate-change effectively
incorporate an understanding of air quality-climate trade-offs and synergies and produce air quality and
climate-change co-benefits where possible.
NAAAQS reviews for individual criteria pollutants effectively consider the impacts of co-pollutants and
exposure and effects from multipollutant mixtures.
The Agency has new methods and approaches to examine, integrate, and assess multipollutant effects
in toxicologic, epidemiologic, and controlled human exposure studies to provide more realistic estimates
of air pollution impacts on public health.
The Agency has an integrated modeling system to assess multimedia interactions and impacts.
No.
1.1.1
1.1.2
1.1.3
1.1.4
1.1.5
1.1.6
Outputs
Assessment report of the current scientific understanding of the
implications of climate change for O3 and PM to address specific
policy concerns
Regional climate change scenarios from IPCC AR5 runs from
global models using WRF as a regional climate model
A review document synthesizing the additional health risks
imposed by increased temperature predicted by climate change
associated with air pollutants
Chemical mechanism for inclusion in CMAQ model
Report on the consequences of global change on air quality and
the role of black carbon in the coupled climate and air quality
systems
Analysis and Decision Support Tools in light of global change
impacts and mitigation
Output
Year
FY2014
FY2014
FY2015
FY2014
FY2016
FY2014
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
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No.
1.1.7
1.1.8
1.1.9
1.1.10
1.1.11
1.1.12
1.1.13
1.1.14
1.1.15
1.1.16
1.1.17
1.1.18
1.1.19
1.1.20
1.1.21
Outputs
CMAQ with improved air-surface exchange processes and land
cover characterization to predict the connection between air
concentrations and deposition for development, implementation
and review of NAAQS, for critical loads, and for improved linkage
to ecosystem models
Coupled meteorology/hydrology system able to down-scale WRF
meteorology at 12km to hydrology at 4km for improved linkage to
watershed models and capability to promote internally consistent
assessments of the implications of climate change on ecosystems
Prototype air-water/terrestrial environmental system, with linkage
between coupled air system and watershed/ terrestrial systems,
connected to combined health and welfare benefits mapping for
multi-media, intra-Agency policy review capability
Synthesis report on the impacts of air pollution on health in
Cleveland, OH
Synthesis publication summarizing the additive and non-additive
health effects associated with exposure to simple mixtures of
pollutants and the relative risk of these to susceptible populations
Synthesis publication summarizing the evidence that pre-exposure
to one pollutant can sensitize a human so that exposure to a
second pollutant results in an exaggerated response
Synthesis publication demonstrating the utility of using high-
throughput tools to screen dozens or hundreds of different air
pollution samples
Synthesis publication summarizing the association between PM,
components and sources and mortality/morbidity in several US
cities
Synthesis publication the role played by PM, its components and
sources, in the incidence and progression of cardiovascular (CV)
disease, as well as the genetic factors that control this process
Report on results from National Particle Component Toxicity
(NPACT) program
Report on statistical methods for analyzing the effects of mixtures
Report on multipollutant air toxic exposures and health effects in
high exposure situations
A review of emissions, exposures, and health effects from ultrafine
particles
Report on findings from health outcomes studies (accountability)
Methods and metrics for incorporating multiple policy-relevant
endpoints, such as human health effects, ecosystem effects,
visibility degradation, long-range transport, and radiative forcing,
into a unified analysis framework
Output
Year
FY2015
FY2015
FY2015
FY2014
FY2015
FY2015
FY2015
FY2015
FY2015
FY2012
FY2013
FY2015
FY2015
FY2015
FY2019
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
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Science Question 1.2: What innovative approaches are needed to enhance the assessment of human
and environmental exposures and effects of pollutants in the atmosphere?
Outcomes: NAAQS compliance monitoring networks use state of the science measurement methods.
Development of more cost-efficient approaches to monitor criteria air pollutants for health and
ecosystem studies to support future NAAQS.
Air quality management activities conducted by EPA and by EPA stakeholders are enhanced through the
application of EPA multipollutant modeling tools and methods.
No.
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4
1.2.5
1.2.6
1.2.7
1.2.8
1.2.9
1.2.10
1.2.11
1.2.12
1.2.13
1.2.14
1.2.15
1.2.16
Outputs
An assessment of the variability in particulate and gaseous emis-
sions from stationary diesels of differing generation capacity both
with and without particulate catches
Methods and technologies for measurement and characterization
of emissions from fugitive and area sources to support regulatory
actions
Regulatory method (Aerospace Recommended Practice) for the
measurement of black carbon emissions for use in commercial air-
craft engine certification
Improved method for ambient acrolein measurement
Ambient air monitoring methods to support implementation and re-
view of NAAQS
Development of method for measuring emissions from open and
uncontrolled burning
Provide field and laboratory performance data for source emission
test procedures for HCI, CO, and N2O (40 CFR Part 60/63 Perfor-
mance Specifications and Reference Methods) in support of NES-
HAP and GHG regulations
Pollutant-specific source measurement methods development to
support regulatory actions
Assessment of methods and instrumentation for measuring one
species as a surrogate to predict the emissions of another related
species, with particular interest in organic compounds (HAPs)
Assessment of available technologies that provides strategic
guidance for future emission measurement method development
and demonstration
Public releases of CMAQ Modeling System
Analysis and Decision Support Tools for Sources and Atmospheric
Formation of Organic Particulate Matter
Analysis and Decision Support Tools for improving air pollution
emissions information
A review of ways in which new information can be incorporated
into air quality management
Report on key parameters for modeling organic aerosols
Modeled cardiopulmonary system for use in analyzing impacts of
exposure to air pollutants
Output
Year
FY2013
FY2015
FY2013
FY2013
FY2016
FY2013
FY2012
FY2015
FY2013
FY2012
FY2014
FY2012
FY2015
FY2017
FY2018
FY2014
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 2, SQ
3,5
Theme 2, SQ
3,5
Theme 2, SQ
3,5
Theme 2, SQ 3
Theme 1, SQ 4
Theme 2, SQ
3,5
Theme 2, SQ
3,5
Theme 2, SQ
3,5
Theme 2, SQ 3
Theme 2, SQ 3
Theme 2, SQ
1,5
Theme 2, SQ
1,5
Theme 2, SQ
1,5
Theme 2, SQ
1,5
Theme 2, SQ
1,5
Theme 1, SQ3
FINAL DRAFT
-------
Science Question 1.3: What are the characteristics of populations and ecosystems that are susceptible
to effects from exposure to air pollutants and climate change impacts?
Outcomes: Future NAAQS reviews incorporate enhanced information on exposure and effects on
susceptible populations.
The Agency has new methods and approaches to examine, integrate, and assess multipollutant effects
in toxicologic, epidemiologic, and controlled human exposure studies to provide more realistic estimates
of air pollution impacts on public health.
Climate adaptation activities conducted by EPA and by EPA stakeholders are effectively targeted toward
vulnerable human and ecological populations.
No.
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
1.3.4
1.3.5
1.3.6
1.3.7
1.3.8
1.3.9
1.3.10
1.3.11
Outputs
Synthesis report on linkages between pollutant sources, with expo-
sures and effects, particularly in the at-risk groups
Report on impact of chronic exposures to fine particles in the pro-
gression of Atherosclerosis from MESA-Air Study
A synthesis report assessing the best approaches and methods to
determine toxicity of multipollutant mixtures
Studies on innovative approaches to addressing links between par-
ticulate matter exposures, composition, sources, and health effects
Report on cardiovascular health effects of near roadway pollution
Characterization of air pollution mixtures using novel methods and
associated health effects
Report on health effects of air pollution mixtures across life stages
Report on air pollution and cardiovascular disease and the
convergence with cardiometabolic syndrome
A synthesis report identifying vulnerable people and ecological
systems, the key factors that drive that vulnerability, including
habitat condition by geographical regions, and which air pollutants
and climate factors that are of greatest concern
Analysis and Decision Support Tools for nonlinear response to
global climate change
Analysis and decision support tools for ecological impacts from
the interactions of climate change, land use change and invasive
species
Output
Year
FY2016
FY2015
FY2016
FY2012
FY2015
FY2015
FY2015
FY2015
FY2016
FY2012
FY2012
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ4
Theme 1, SQ
1,2,4
Theme 1, SQ
1,2,4
Theme 1, SQ
1,2,4
Theme 1, SQ
1,2,4
Theme 1, SQ
1,2,4
Theme 1, SQ
1,2,4
Theme 1, SQ 3
Theme 1, SQ 3
Theme 1, SQ 3
FINAL DRAFT
-------
Science Question 1.4: What are the key uncertainties and data gaps that need to be addressed to
inform review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)?
Outcomes: NAAQS reviews for individual criteria pollutants effectively consider the impacts of co-
pollutants and exposure and effects from multipollutant mixtures.
Future reviews of secondary NAAQS will effectively consider the impacts of deposition of NOx and SOx
using EPA methods and modeling tools.
No.
1.4.1
1.4.2
1.4.3
1.4.4
1.4.5
1.4.6
1.4.7
1.4.8
1.4.9
Outputs
Refined and evaluated model for use in epidemiological studies to
improve the linkages between sources, concentrations, exposures
and health effects
Development and evaluation of improved multipollutant indicator
Synthesis report on effects of variability of air pollutants and human
activity patterns on exposure to air pollution
Improved methods for quantifying nitrogen and sulfur
concentrations and air-surface exchange fluxes with high temporal
resolution; improved methods for quantifying the uncertainty in
micrometeorological flux measurements
Datasets of speciated nitrogen, sulfur, and ozone fluxes,
concentrations, and ancillary information suitable for transfer
to program offices, and improved models for relating ambient
concentrations and deposition fluxes for nitrogen and sulfur
species
Synthesis report on improved dry deposition algorithms for CMAQ
model
Improved estimates of HAPs, nitrogen and sulfur deposition
for urban and rural environments using improved source
apportionment methods
Assessment of the impacts of different forms of atmospheric
deposition of N (NOx, NH4, NH3, NO3) as well as other sources of
nitrogen
Analysis and Decision Support Tools for Sources, Composition,
and Health Effects of Coarse Particulate Matter
Output
Year
FY2015
FY2014
FY2014
FY2015
FY2015
FY2015
FY2014
FY2014
FY2012
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
FINAL DRAFT
-------
Theme 2. Prevent and Reduce Emissions - Provide
data and tools to develop and evaluate approaches
to prevent and reduce emissions of pollutants to the
atmosphere, particularly environmentally sustainable,
cost-effective, and innovative multipollutant and
sector-based approaches.
Science Question 2.1 : What tools are needed to support the management of air pollution problems at
the different scales of time and space associated with different pollutants and effects?
Outcomes: The Agency and its stakeholders apply ORD modeling tools to identify air quality
management problems and evaluate air quality management options both locally and internationally.
Agency decisions related to air quality management and climate-change effectively incorporate an
understanding of air quality-climate trade-offs and synergies and produce air quality and climate-change
co-benefits where possible.
No.
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.6
2.1.7
2.1.8
2.1.9
2.1.10
Outputs
Framework that integrates emissions, dispersion and exposure indi-
cators for potential development into a CIS (or applicable) platform
to assess exposure to mobile-source pollution and related sources
CIS-based air pollution exposure model
Updated versions of the Consolidated Human Activity Database
(CHAD) for input to APEX and SHEDS human exposure models,
and model code for modeling longitudinal activity patterns for
subpopulations
A tiered or hierarchical modeling system to accurately and
efficiently provide near-field and urban-wide concentration fields
Advanced fine-resolution modeling techniques for major point and
distributed area sources on urban scales to support assessments
for NAAQS on a city-wide basis
Report synthesizing impact of meteorology on air pollution
Offline and online/fully coupled meteorology-air quality models that
can be applied from regional to global scales providing outputs to
impacts, adaptation, vulnerability, and economic models to support
strategic policy analysis and development
Fully integrated climate-air quality modeling system and
methodologies for process-based evaluation
Methodologies for downscaling NASA/NOAA/NCAR global models
using WRF as a regional climate model
Output
Year
FY2014
FY2014
FY2015
FY2014
FY2014
FY2018
FY2016
FY2015
FY2013
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ
2,4
Theme 1, SQ
2,4
Theme 1, SQ
2,4
Theme 1, SQ
2,4
Theme 1, SQ
2,4
Theme 1, SQ
2,4
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
FINAL DRAFT
-------
No.
2.1.11
2.1.12
Outputs
Synthesis document identifying win-win emission strategies for
improving air quality, protecting ecoystems, reducing short-lived
climate forcers and mitigating greenhouse gases
Synthesis document quantifying, using measurements and
computational tools, the global warming potential of key climate
related compounds
Output
Year
FY2014
FY2015
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 2, SQ 3
Theme 1, SQ 1
Science Question 2.2: What methods need to be developed and data obtained to conduct life-
cycle analyses of alternative pollution reduction and energy options to inform EPA and other local,
regional, national, and international decisions regarding the most sustainable and cost effective uses of
resources?
Outcomes: The Agency has tools and analyses to identify the full cost of alternative energy
options, including the systematic evaluation of multimedia impacts and potential tradeoffs between
environmental, social, and economic objectives.
The Agency has models and tools to compare and predict the impacts of energy alternatives and
efficiency programs.
Development of tools and methods to evaluate current and future energy options to support Agency
actions that minimize energy-related impacts on air and water quality.
No.
2.2.1
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
2.2.7
2.2.8
2.2.9
2.2.10
Outputs
Synthesis report describing extended applications of the NYC com-
munity- scale MARKAL model
Synthesis reports on the results of the sub-sector specific scenario
analyses
Summary report on scenario analysis to achieve CO2 mitigation
goals using the Kaya-based scenarios
White paper on the scenario implementations and demonstrating
their use in assessing the technology implications and regulatory
efficacy
Assessments of the impacts of renewable portfolio standard (RPS)
and renewable technologies on the U.S. energy system
Release of new versions of MARKAL 9-Region and national
energy system model databases for use in evaluating the
emissions from the production and use of energy
Synthesis report on the cumulative risk of a transformed energy
infrastructure from resource supply/extraction through conversion
and end-use
Synthesis report on the impacts of building shell changes, energy
efficient choices, and human behavior on human health and the
environment
Future emissions data from scenarios for use in CMAQ and
GLIMPSE models
Output
Year
FY2013
FY2014
FY2013
FY2013
FY2014
FY2012,
FY2014
FY2015
FY2015
FY2015
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1 , SQ 1
Theme 1 , SQ 1
Theme 1 , SQ 1
Theme 1 , SQ 1
Theme 1 , SQ 1
Theme 1 , SQ 1
Theme 1 , SQ 1
Theme 1 , SQ 1
Theme 1 , SQ 1
FINAL DRAFT
-------
No.
2.2.11
2.2.12
2.2.13
2.2.14
2.2.15
2.2.16
2.2.17
2.2.18
2.2.19
2.2.20
2.2.21
2.2.22
2.2.23
2.2.24
2.2.25
2.2.26
Outputs
Synthesis report with integrated analyses of cookstove evaluations
including health endpoints, technical guidance for regional stove
testing centers, and technical support for standard test methods for
cookstoves including high throughput toxicity testing
Synthesis report analyzing the differences in pollutant behavior
and partitioning between air-fuel and oxy-fuel combustion
Assessment of air pollution control upgrade requirements for GHG
retrofit based on selected model plants from existing coal-fired
power plants
Synthesis report on the results of the natural gas scenario analysis
Synthesis report on the potential for breakthroughs in technologies
and fuels/fuel usage to impact the U.S. energy system
Synthesis report summarizing analysis of global baseline
emissions scenarios on energy technology requirements
Synthesis report on reactive gaseous mercury monitoring and
delivery of associated database
Synthesis reports comparing direct and indirect environmental and
human health impacts (including changing exposure pathways)
across the energy system resulting from changes in energy
resource supplies, technologies, and patterns of end use
Research on quantifying, via field measurements and modeling,
the improvements in air quality, climate, and public health resulting
from an ongoing or planned changeover to cleaner-burning fuels
for cooking, heating, or lighting in the developing world
Biofuels Report to Congress
Inputs for life cycle analyses and modeling of regional human
health effects of biofuel feedstock production, storage and
processing
Synthesis document on dose-response studies of potential human
health risks of pollen and molds associated with biofuel feedstock
production
Synthesis document on use of sustainability metrics to
complement life cycle approaches
Decision support tool for States and communities to assess water
quality impacts from leaking underground storage tanks
Synthesis of emissions data to provide PM and VOC speciation
profiles for light-duty gasoline vehicles operating on ethanol-blend
fuels for inclusion in the SPECIATE database and input into the
CMAQ model
Profiles of criteria and toxic emissions from ethanol-blend
gasoline and biodiesel combustion in on-road motor vehicles for
identification and evaluation of potential toxicity differences among
biofuel content and operating conditions
Output
Year
FY2015
FY2015
FY2012
FY2014
FY2016
FY2015
FY2013
FY2016
FY2017
FY2015
FY2013
FY2015
FY2015
FY2013
FY2013
FY2014
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 2, SQ 4
Theme 2, SQ 4
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 2, SQ 4
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
FINAL DRAFT
-------
No.
2.2.27
2.2.28
2.2.29
2.2.30
2.2.31
Outputs
Summary of potential impacts of biomass feedstock production on
N20, including key uncertainties
Synthesis report on emissions from combustion of waste glycerol
Synthesis report describing the design, initiation, and methods for
field-scale biocharsoil amendment demonstration projects
Synthesis report on the assessment of the impacts of future
climate changes on feedstock production yields, and the resulting
energy system and environmental impacts
Final report detailing the side-by-side comparison of biogas
management technologies
Output
Year
FY2015
FY2015
FY2016
FY2014
FY2013
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 2, SQ 4
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 2, SQ 4
Science Question 2.3: What innovative monitoring technologies are needed to support the
implementation of management strategies to prevent and reduce air pollution?
Outcomes: New methods are incorporated into monitoring networks and compliance monitoring
activities to enhance available information and / or to reduce monitoring costs
No.
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5
2.3.6
2.3.7
Outputs
Synthesis report on evaluation of sensor technology to support
monitoring applications
Demonstration of data fusion modeling approaches to estimate air
pollutant concentrations
Completion of health and exposure monitoring technology
evaluation and preliminary data summarization
Feasibility study of the deployment of optical technologies to
compliment national air quality monitoring networks
Synthesis of Multiscale characterization of ammonia and
greenhouse gas emissions using measurement and modeling data
Synthesis of findings to provide a fundamental understanding of
how satellite data can be used to infer surface conditions more
quantitatively, not just for prediction, but also for assessment
studies and topLdown emissions estimation in a changing
environment
Develop a community of practice for remote sensing techniques
and data collection
Output
Year
FY2014
FY2014
FY2016
FY2014
FY2015
FY2015
FY2017
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ 2
Theme 1, SQ 2
Theme 1, SQ 2
Theme 1, SQ 2
Theme 1, SQ 2
Theme 1, SQ 2
Theme 1, SQ 2
FINAL DRAFT
-------
No.
2.3.8
Outputs
Evaluating the value of data from small sensors, developing the
technology necessary to combine data from multiple sensors
increasing spatial and temporal resolution of air pollutant
measurements, and involving communities in activities to
understand and decrease their exposure to pollutants
Output
Year
FY2019
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ2
Science Question 2.4: What are the most efficient integrated, sustainable pollution reduction and
prevention solutions?
Outcomes: New green chemistry options for solvents are incorporated as air toxics regulations
No.
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
Outputs
Synthesis report on proposed green chemical process for reducing
emissions of air toxics
Synthesis report detailing the usability and feasibility of the Triple
Value model in computationally understanding sustainability in the
context of systems
Decision support tool which can quantitatively or qualitatively
assess markers towards or away from sustainability according to
the Fiksel Triple Value Model
Output
Year
FY2014
FY2014
FY2014
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Science Question 2.5: What methods and tools need to be developed to support implementation of
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)?
No.
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5
2.5.6
Outputs
Data on emissions of interest from key sources for emission inven-
tory improvement
Synthesis document on the effects of vehicle technology and
operating conditions on performance and pollutant emissions
Report on methane and VOC emissions from oil and gas
production operations using advanced source assessment
technologies such as to geospatial mapping, off site remote and
direct fugitive leak measurement, and infrared camera sensing
Assessment of exposure from oil and gas production activities
Update of SPECIATE database with novel emissions data on
selected fugitive and area sources
Produce a version of the Industrial Sectors Integrated Solutions
Model (ISIS) for the Pulp and Paper Industry to support
Rulemaking activities
Output
Year
FY2015
FY2016
FY2012
FY2014
FY2016
FY2012
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 2, SQ 1
Theme 2, SQ 1
Theme 1 , SQ 2
Theme 1 , SQ 1
Theme 2, SQ 1
Theme 2, SQ 1
FINAL DRAFT
-------
No.
2.5.7
2.5.8
2.5.9
Outputs
Web-based techno-economic modeling framework capable of
addressing multi-sectors, multi-pollutant, multi-market, and multi-
region emission reduction policies, objectives and constraints
Technology evaluation roadmap to be used by Regions, States,
and local air districts to identify innovative technologies for field
demonstration and to address NAAQS non-compliance
Final report on Engineered Deployable Rotary Kiln System for
Gasification of Solid Wastes
Output
Year
FY2015
FY2014
FY2015
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 2, SQ 1
Theme 2, SQ 1
Theme 2, SQ 1
Theme 3. Respond to Changes in Climate and
Air Quality - Provide human exposure and
environmental modeling, monitoring, metrics and
information needed by individuals, communities,
and governmental agencies to adapt to the impacts
of climate change and make public health decisions
regarding air quality.
Science Question 3.1: What are the most effective alternative adaptation strategies?
Outcomes: Development of tools and approaches to examine the social responses associated with
technologies to mitigate or adapt to climate change to better inform future climate decisions.
Climate adaptation activities conducted by EPA and by EPA stakeholders are effectively targeted toward
vulnerable human and ecological populations.
No.
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
Outputs
A framework for adaptation planning based on previous climate im-
pact and adaptation studies at national, regional and local scales,
including an application of the framework for adaptation planning for
climate-sensitive coral reef ecosystems
Expansion of decision makers "toolkits" for adaptation through
improved understanding of the impacts, co-benefits, and potential
unintended consequences of climate change adaptation strategies,
with a preliminary focus on water quality rulemaking and
subsequent broadening of scope to consider air quality
Assessments to improve understanding of climate change impacts
on the environment and human health and well being
Synthesis of forest indicators of climate change, including long
term data summaries to assess ecosystem simulation models
Output
Year
FY2016
FY2015
FY2013
FY2015
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
FINAL DRAFT
-------
No.
3.1.5
3.1.6
3.1.7
3.1.8
3.1.9
3.1.10
3.1.11
3.1.12
Outputs
Frameworks and CIS tools that assist in the development and
evaluation of climate change impacts at different spatial (global,
regional and local) and temporal scales
Methods and data to assess climate change impacts at different
spatial and temporal scales
Characterization of the environmental impacts of climate change
and benefits of avoided climate change impacts and GHG
reductions strategies through assessments of impacts of climate
change on watersheds, water quality, water quantity
Synthesis report describing results of research on methods to
assess urban resilience
Analysis and Decision Support Tools for consequences of global
change for air quality
Analysis and Decision Support Tools for consequences of global
change for water quality
Assessments of the impacts of extreme weather events on the
environment and environmental protection systems, including
models to evaluate options to adapt to these events
Direct entomological interventions, changes in land use to
create barriers inhospitable to vectors, enhanced monitoring and
surveillance techniques, and chemical control
Output
Year
FY2016
FY2014
FY2016
FY2016
FY2012
FY2014
FY2016
FY2019
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
SHC
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ 1
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
Science Question 3.2: What innovative methods are needed to inform individual- and community-level
adaptation to climate change and decision-making regarding air quality?
Outcomes: Individuals and communities have tools and data available to make timely and informed
decisions to adapt to climate change and to reduce exposure to air pollution and to track progress
toward.
Improvement and expansion of emissions inventories to support future air quality policies.
The Agency and its stakeholders develop and implement effective policies to mitigate exposures and
effects of air pollutants near sources.
No.
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
Outputs
N mass balance for selected agricultural systems
Synthesis report on meteorologically-dependent, process-based
emission estimates
Biennial update of Speciate database
Recommendations from analysis of a specific NEI sector, such
as residential wood combustion (RWC), using existing receptor
and source oriented modeling tools and methods with the goal of
improving the estimates for the sector
Output
Year
FY2015
FY2014
FY2013
FY2013
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1 , SQ 2
Theme 1 , SQ 2
Theme 2, SQ 1
Theme 1 , SQ 2
Theme 2, SQ 1
FINAL DRAFT
-------
No.
3.2.5
3.2.6
3.2.7
3.2.8
3.2.9
3.2.10
Outputs
Synthesis report/paper summarizing field and modeling findings
for local air quality impact associated with the near-rail yard
environment
Synthesis report on results from Cleveland Multiple Air Pollutant
Study
Synthesis of findings from RAMSES near-roadway studies
Model framework (e.g. AERLINE) capable of predicting air
transport and dispersion of traffic emissions in the presence of
varying roadway designs (cut sections, elevated fill sections, etc.)
and roadside vegetation
Synthesis of findings from the NEXUS study including human
exposure, health impacts, and source apportionment results and
enhance modeling tools for near road applications
Synthesis of actual and perceived impacts of wildfire event on
health and economic welfare of the community
Output
Year
FY2016
FY2014
FY2015
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 1, SQ
1,4
Theme 1, SQ
1,4
Theme 1, SQ
1,4
Theme 1, SQ
1,2
Theme 1, SQ
1,4
Theme 1, SQ
1,2,4
Science Question 3.3: What are the social, behavioral, and economic factors that may hinder the
ability of communities and individuals to implement adaptation strategies for climate change and make
informed decisions regarding air quality?
Outcomes: Development of tools and approaches to examine the social responses associated with
technologies to mitigate or adapt to climate change to better inform future climate decisions.
No.
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
Outputs
An assessment to provide a better understanding of the current
control technologies for mitigating greenhouse gases emitted from
industrial and utility sectors
Synthesis document of key mitigation and adaptation research
needs
Synthesis report on adaptation methods and develop technologies
that allow reducing energy consumption, enabling water and
energy conservation, and improving system efficiency in water
supplies and water management
Output
Year
FY2014
FY2015
FY2014
Other ACE
Science
Questions
Addressed
Theme 2, SQ
1,4
Theme 2, SQ
1,4
Theme 2, SQ
1,4
FINAL DRAFT
-------
References
1. "Endangerment and Cause or Contribute
Findings for Greenhouse Gases Under
Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act; Final
Rule." Federal Register 74 (15 December
2009): 66496-66546. Print.
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Global Change Research Program. Analyses
of the Effects of Global Change on Human
Health and Welfare and Human Systems,
Synthesis and Assessment Product 4.6. July
2008.
3. The White House. Remarks by the
President in State of Union Address. United
States Capitol, Washington, D.C. January 25,
2011.
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Office of Research and Development.
Particulate Matter Research Program: Five
Years of Progress. EPA 600/R-04/058. July
2008. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/ord/
ca/pdf/pm_research_program_five_years_of_
progress.pdf.
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Climate Change Science Program. Synthesis
and Assessment Reports. Retrieved from
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/policy/
research.html.
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Benefits and Costs of Federal Regulations
and Unfunded Mandates on State, Local,
and Tribal Entities. Retreived from http://
www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/
legislative/reports/2010_Benefit_Cost_Report.
pdf
7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(2011). Office of Air & Radiation. Air Quality
Trends. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/
airtrends/aqtrends.html#comparison.
8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. FY
2011-2015 EPA Strategic Plan: Achieving Our
Vision. September 30, 2010.
9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
National Center for Environmental Research.
Clean Air Research Centers Request for
Proposal. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/
ncer/rfa/2009/2009_star_clean_air.html.
10. United States. Cong. Senate. 111th
Congress, 1st Session. S. 1462, American
Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009.
Congressional Bills, GPO Access. Retrieved
from http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/
s1462pcs1.pdf.
11. United States. Cong. Senate. 110th
Congress, 1st Session. H.R. 6, The Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007.
Retrieved from http://energy.senate.gov/
public/_files/getdoc1 .pdf.
12. See the reports under the
heading, "America's Climate Choices,"
National Research Council, http://
americasclimatechoices.org/.
13. "Global Climate Change Impacts in the
United States," T.R. Karl, J.M. Melillo, T.C.
Peterson (eds.), Cambridge University Press
(2009).
14. IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007:
Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working
Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment
Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change [Core Writing Team, Pachauri,
R.Kand Reisinger, A.(eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva,
Switzerland, 104 pp.
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15. National Academy of Sciences (MAS)
National Research Council (NRC) (2004).
Research Priorities for Airborne Participate
Matter. The National Academies Press:
Washington, DC. Retrieved from http://www.
nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10957.
16. BOSC Report on the PM-Ozone Program
Review (2005). Retrieved from http://www.epa.
gov/osp/bosc/pdf/pm0508rpt. pdf.
17. The White House Council on
Environmental Quality (2010). Progress
Report of the Interagency Climate Change
Adaptation Task Force: Recommended
Actions in Support of a National Climate
Change Adaptation Strategy. Retrieved from
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/
microsites/ceq/lnteragency-Climate-Change-
Adaptation-Progress-Report.pdf.
18. Biomass Research & Development Board:
Initiative: http://www.usbiomassboard.gov/
initiative/initiative.html.
19. National Science and Technology
Council: Subcommittee on Social, Behavioral
and Economic Sciences (2009). Social,
Behavioral and Economic Research in the
Federal Context. Retrieved from http://
www.whitehouse.gov/files/documents/ostp/
NSTC%20Reports/SBE%20in%20the%20
Federal%20Context%20(for%20NSTC)%20
4-21-09.pdf
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Research Program Partners and
Stakeholders
Office of Air and Radiation (OAR)
- Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards (OAQPS)
- Office of Transportation and Air Quality
(OTAQ)
- Office of Atmospheric Programs (OAP)
- Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
(ORIA)
Office of Policy (OP)
Office of Enforcement and Compliance
Assurance (OECA)
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response (OSWER)
Office of Water (OW)
Regions
Universities
Non-Governmental Organizations
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Acronyms
Acronym
ACE
CAA
CMAQ
CO
CSS
EPA
GHG
GIS
HHRA
MARKAL
NAAQS
MAS
NRC
GAP
OAQPS
OAR
OECA
OP
ORD
ORIA
OSWER
OTAQ
OW
PM
RDM
RIA
SHC
SO2
SSWR
Meaning
Air, Climate, and Energy
Clean Air Act
Community Multiscale Air Quality
Carbon monoxide
Chemical Safety for Sustainability
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Greenhouse gas
Geographic information systems
Human Health Risk Assessment
MARKet Allocation energy system model
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
National Academy of Sciences
National Academy of Science's National Research
Council
Office of Atmospheric Programs
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Office of Air and Radiation
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Office of Policy
Office of Research and Development
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
Office of Water
Particulate Matter
Robust Decision Making
Regulatory impact analysis
Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Sulfur dioxide
Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
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