C umulus clouds were creeping over the horizon as neighbors met to hear the news at the June monthly meeting of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association. These fun and informative meetings take place on the first Monday of each month at seven in the evening at the Hyde Park Methodist Church on Speedway and 40th.

Co President Bruce Nadig introduced Mia Zmud from the Austin Clean Air Workforce. Ms. Zmud is working with the Austin Clean Air Initiative tasked with bringing Austin's ozone (O3) levels into compliance with EPA-mandated levels for health and human safety. Only twenty areas in the United States are currently in "non attainment" with EPA guidelines and Austin, which prides itself on being ecologically attuned, is one of them. The Clean Air Task force, www.cleanairforce.org, is gathering input from Central Texas' citizens and neighborhoods for the formulation of an ozone reduction strategy due on the EPA's desk in late June.     It came as no surprise to anyone that the denizens of Hyde Park had a few suggestions for Ms. Zmud. Neighbors recommended that since over half of the pollution comes from cars, the task force could start by including more

sidewalks, bike lanes, car pooling and public transportation in its "strategy." Also recommended were better enforcement of emission standards, or rather any enforcement of emission standards; better public education on the issue; and national legislation regulating the size and number of large trucks, especially international trucks on Interstate 35. A good time was had by all and Ms. Zmud was wished the very best in her endeavors. Anyone wishing to assist is urged to learn more by visiting the task force web site above.     Co-President Gary Penn had good news to share. The Texas legislature has adjourned without passing any of the dangerous church and land use bills filed by various representatives. Most disturbing were a series of house bills and amendments that would have freed any type of "religious structure" from Continued on page 4