Environmental Programs
Stewards in Creating Clean & Healthy Communities
We are dedicated to advancing regional efforts to improve regional solid waste and air quality management by bringing together stakeholders from all interests – government, industry, business, and residents – to fund infrastructure and other activities, reduce energy use, and implement clean transportation strategies through regional collaboration.
Environmental Programs
Environmental Conservation Program
AACOG is the state designated planning agency for solid waste management issues in the region.
The Environmental Conservation Program reviews applications for landfill permits and solid waste grants. Each year, AACOG provides oversight on Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) funding for local government projects, including source reduction, recycling, local illegal dumping enforcement, solid waste studies, household hazardous waste collections, and public education efforts. AACOG provides technical assistance to local governments on solid waste issues and continuing education opportunities for local governments and solid waste professionals.
If you have questions, contact us at ec@aacog.gov or (210) 362-5243 regarding Closed Landfill Inventory information.
Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition
Alamo Area Clean Cities and Communities is a Department of Energy designated coalition dedicated to advancing the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security by reducing petroleum consumption in transportation.
Establishing strong, dependable alternative fuel networks and infrastructure strengthens economic stability for the United States by decreasing susceptibility to fluctuating petroleum prices; improves energy security by utilizing domestic fuel sources and decreasing dependence on foreign oil entities; and releases drastically fewer greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to conventional petroleum fuels, which helps improve air quality and public health.
How do I become a Clean Cities stakeholder?
Please fill out the partnership agreement form linked below and email to nr@aacog.gov
Stakeholder Partnership Agreement Form
Regional Energy Management Program
Texas is the fastest growing state in the nation. San Antonians alone use 23 million megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity in a single year.
Weather disasters are becoming more severe and frequent. As Texas continues to grow, AACOG recognizes that implementing energy efficiency and resiliency practices within its 13 counties will be of the utmost importance to securing a sustainable future. AACOG is partnered with the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to bring energy management resources to local governments through webinars, roundtables, and other information sharing activities.
SECO offers free technical assistance and low interest financing to local governments for energy upgrades.
Learn more at:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/programs/seco/
SolSmart Technical Assistance Program
AACOG engages with the SolSmart Technical Assistance Program to provide resources and no cost technical assistance to our member cities and counties to encourage them to expand solar energy use in their jurisdictions and become SolSmart designated communities.
This designation makes the solar installation process faster, easier, and more affordable for residents and businesses. These efforts save our local governments time and money in the long run as solar energy becomes more widespread.
For details about SolSmart, please email us at nr@aacog.gov.
Texas Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
AACOG administers a regional Texas Property Assessed Clean Energy (TX-PACE) Program for its member cities and counties.
PACE provides low cost, long term private financing for commercial, industrial, and large multifamily energy and water conservation retrofits. This financing is secured through a property assessment lien imposed on the property at the owner’s request by the city or county in which the property is located.
PACE enables property owners to lower their operating costs and use those savings to pay for eligible retrofits. Owners gain access to private, affordable, long-term (typically 10-20 years) financing that is not available through traditional funding avenues.
Air Awareness – Technical Studies and Education
With support from CPS Energy and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), AACOG owns and operates seven air quality monitors across the region that measure weather conditions and outdoor air pollutants like ozone, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds.
AACOG conducts photochemical modeling to help predict ozone levels based on different emissions scenarios. The model also helps identify sources and areas that contribute to local ozone, and helps local governments understand what policies they can implement that will reduce ozone and other harmful air pollutants.
The TCEQ issues Ozone Action Day alerts when ozone is predicted to be unhealthy for sensitive people the following day. Sign up to receive these alerts from AACOG as they are issued so you can limit your exposure outdoors.
Have a question about AACOG’s technical air quality studies?
Contact nr@aacog.gov
Sign up for Ozone Action Day Alerts
FAQs About Environmental Programs
What is clean energy?
Clean energy, also known as renewable energy, is energy generated from natural sources that are constantly replenished—like sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. It produces little or no greenhouse gas emissions.
Why is clean energy important?
Clean energy reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, decreases air pollution, mitigates climate change, and promotes sustainable development.
What are the main types of clean energy?
- Solar energy (sunlight)
- Wind energy (airflow)
- Hydropower (water flow)
- Geothermal energy (heat from the Earth)
- Biomass energy (organic materials)
Is clean energy reliable?
Yes, especially when combined with energy storage systems and a diverse energy mix. Advances in technology have significantly improved its reliability and efficiency.
Can clean energy lower my electricity bill?
In many instances, clean energy can lower a resident’s electricity bill. Solar panels, for example, can reduce or even eliminate monthly electricity costs over time, depending on location and usage.
What are the challenges of transitioning to clean energy?
Some challenges include:
- High initial investment costs
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Energy storage needs
- Policy and regulatory barriers
What is environmental conservation?
Environmental conservation is the practice of protecting natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.
Why is environmental conservation important?
Environmental Conservation helps maintain ecosystem balance, preserves biodiversity, combats climate change, ensures clean air and water, and supports human health and livelihoods.
What are some examples of conservation efforts?
- Protecting forests and wildlife
- Reducing plastic and waste
- Water conservation
- Reforestation
- Sustainable agriculture
- Marine and coastal protection
How can I help conserve the environment?
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle
- Use energy efficient appliances
- Support local and sustainable products
- Plant trees and support green spaces
- Conserve water and electricity
- Advocate for environmental policies
What role do governments and organizations play?
To support conservation programs globally and locally, governments and organizations can enforce environmental laws, create protected areas, fund research and promote clean energy.
How does climate change relate to conservation?
Climate change poses a major threat to ecosystems. Conservation efforts help reduce its impact by protecting carbon sinks (like forests) and enhancing the resilience of natural systems.
Why is air pollution harmful?
Air pollution enters our airways and can negatively impact our lungs and respiratory systems. Young children, older adults, and those with chronic respiratory conditions. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer, heart attacks, and strokes.
Why are unhealthy levels of ozone more common in the summer?
Ozone is created when man made pollutants like volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides interact in sunlight.
What can be recycled?
It depends on where you live and who picks up your trash. To determine which recycling services are available in your area, please refer to our list of recycling centers.
What is a landfill?
Landfills are facilities designed for the disposal of solid waste. Landfills are located, designed, operated, and monitored to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. They are also designed to protect the environment from contaminants, which may be present in the waste stream. Click here to see an inside look at a landfill: https://takecareoftexas.org/resources/inside-look-landfill
