The Houston business community learned several things in 2002. One was that unless we organized to defend our region’s development and environment interest, those options could be severely limited. Second, we learned that we can realize growth while protecting our environment. We have also come to understand that groups with dubious motives can challenge and are indeed encouraged to challenge growth with frivolous intent. With six founding member organizations, TARGET has hit the ground running in 2003. Since the beginning of the year, TARGET has continued to monitor litigation,
legislation, and regulatory developments that threaten regional mobility. TARGET has also taken proactive approaches. Rather than simply reacting when mobility is threatened, TARGET has pursued legislative and regulatory changes to improve our area’s ability to build the transportation infrastructure it so desperately needs. Such efforts will lower the likelihood of debilitating lawsuits and regulatory inefficiencies that could impede construction. Specifically TARGET has developed a work group consisting of national, state, and local organizations and U. S. District 8 Congressman Kevin Brady to address problems with the manner in which a metropolitan area’s transportation plan complies with the Clean Air Act. This effort has resulted in a federal bill filed by Brady to improve this process, as well as several rule changes that are likely to occur next year. TARGET has also met with leaders in the Department of Justice to discuss greater community participation in settlement discussions between EPA and environmental plaintiffs. Another example of TARGET’s efforts to protect mobility is the continued communications with interveners in the Houston ozone plan litigation, informing and reminding these parties of the potential consequences of certain litigation outcomes on regional mobility. Together TARGET’s efforts are improving our region’s ability to ensure quality growth, while protecting the environment. Although TARGET is well on its way as an organization, challenges remain. In April of 2004, the Houston area will be designated as a nonattainment area under a new federal air quality standard–the 8-hour ozone standard. This new designation will usher in the development of a new clean air plan, along with potentially new restrictions on transportation growth. New restrictions may also occur as a result of the current Houston air plan litigation in the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Along with known challenges, there are likely to be unknown challenges. Because of TARGET’s great start as an organization, and the strength of its members, TARGET will undoubtedly meet these challenges.