Businesses, industry, and citizens of Mecklenburg County are invited to comment on a proposed rule that would require citizen action on ozone action days. A series of three public forums will be held to receive comment on the proposed "Cutting Pollution When It Counts" temporary controls for ozone.

The forums will be at the following locations and times:

• August 12, 6 p.m. - CPCC Southwest Campus, 315 Hebron Street, Charlotte
• PAST - July 22, 6 p.m. - Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave, Cornelius
• PAST - August 3, 7 p.m. - Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street East, Matthews

In an effort to "Cut Pollution When it Counts," Mecklenburg County Air Quality is proposing that the Board of County Commissioners adopt a local regulation requiring temporary action when unhealthy ozone levels are predicted. Action required by businesses, industry and government could include riding transit, carpooling, altering work schedules and informing employees that it is an ozone action day.

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the "Episodic Controls for Ozone Regulation" on September 8, 2004, and consider adopting the regulation in October 2004. If adopted the rule would become effective in 2005.