Facts about the WRAP
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What is the Western Regional Air Partnership--the WRAP?

The WRAP is a voluntary organization of western states, tribes and federal agencies. It was formed in 1997 as the successor to the Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission, which made over 70 recommendations in June 1996 for improving visibility in 16 national parks and wilderness areas on the Colorado Plateau. The Partnership promotes, supports and monitors the implementation of those recommendations throughout the West. The WRAP is also implementing regional planning processes to improve visibility in all Western Class I areas by providing the technical and policy tools needed by states and tribes to implement the federal regional haze rule. The WRAP is administered jointly by the Western Governors' Association (WGA) and the National Tribal Environmental Council (NTEC).

The WRAP recognizes that residents have the most to gain from improved visibility and that many solutions are best implemented at the local, state, tribal or regional level with public participation.

Who belongs to the WRAP?

The WRAP is made up of western states, tribes and federal agencies. The states are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Tribal board members include Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Cortina Indian Rancheria, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Nation of the Grand Canyon, Native Village of Shungnak, Nez Perce Tribe, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of San Felipe, and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall. Representatives of other tribes participate on WRAP forums and committees. Participation is encouraged throughout the Western states and tribes. Federal participants are the Department of the Interior (National Park Service and Fish & Wildlife Service,) the Department of Agriculture (Forest Service), and the Environmental Protection Agency.

How does the WRAP make decisions?

The WRAP’s committees and forums seek consensus among the governmental partners and stakeholders including large and small businesses, academia, environmental groups and other public interest representatives. Scientific findings and policy options are presented to policy makers and the public for appropriate discussion and response. The WRAP is committed to bringing together all those who may contribute to or be affected by poor air quality. Findings and policy options go before the WRAP Board.

How is the WRAP funded and Who does the work?

The Western Governors’ Association in Denver and the National Tribal Environmental Council in Albuquerque receive funding from the U.S. EPA to administer and support the WRAP and its committees and forums. The majority of the work is done by individuals serving on the WRAP committees and forums, with assistance from staff and outside contractors. Work plans are prepared by the WRAP forums and work products are reviewed by the forums and the co-directors. The WRAP recognizes the great contribution from organizations and individuals who contribute often un-reimbursed time and effort to committee and forum work.

How can individuals and organizations be involved in the WRAP’s work and decisions?

The WRAP’s success depends on the participation of concerned and informed participants who devote time and energy to this endeavor. Committees and forums are continuously accepting applications for a number of appointments. See our Web site, www.wrapair.org if you are interested in getting involved.