What Is a TCM?
A Transportation Control Measure (TCM) is a transportation investment or activity which is designed to reduce on-road vehicle emissions and improve air quality. For many areas, such as the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria region TCMs are a required part of the SIP. Once TCMs are included in the SIP, the region is legally bound to implement each of these control measures in a timely manner or face sanctions such as SIP failure or the loss of transportation funding.
Examples of TCM projects include increased use of public transit, traffic light synchronization, and other strategies which reduce traffic congestion, and delay. Inclusion of TCMs in the State Implementation Plan (SIP) requires significant commitment to timely implementation.
What Is a VMEP?
VMEPs are similar to TCMs in that they are activities designed to reduce on-road vehicle emissions and improve air quality; however rather than being required to meet the projected emission reductions for each project, the region must meet a bottom-line emission reduction for all VMEPs that have been implemented within the region.
The TCM/VMEP Development Working Group
In order to assist with the task of developing TCMs and VMEPs for the upcoming SIP, H-GAC has organized and is hosting the TCM/VMEP Development Working Group to work with local governments as well as other stakeholders to develop and ensure implementation of the TCMs and VMEPs that will be included in the upcoming SIP.
The Working Group is comprised of representatives from local governments who have the authority to propose and to evaluate the feasibility of accomplishing potential TCM or VMEP SIP commitments for their organization. Meeting times and agendas can be found here.