Community Emissions Reduction Plan Moves Forward Following Air District Board Approval

The South Sacramento-Florin Community Steering Committee, residents, community partners, and local and state officials gather to celebrate the submission of the Community Emissions Reduction Plan (CERP) during a June 22 community celebration.

On May 28, the Air District’s Board of Directors voted to approve the South Sacramento-Florin Community Emissions Reduction Plan (CERP) and formally submit it to the California Air Resources Board for consideration, marking a major milestone in the region’s community air protection efforts.

Developed through California’s AB 617 Community Air Protection Program, the South Sacramento-Florin CERP was shaped through more than two years of collaboration between residents, community organizations, businesses, public agencies, and the Community Steering Committee (CSC). The plan identifies local air quality concerns and outlines a series of strategies and actions aimed at reducing exposure to air pollution in the community.

The Board’s approval represents the culmination of extensive community engagement, technical analysis, and partnership-building focused on improving air quality and public health outcomes in South Sacramento-Florin neighborhoods.

The CERP includes measures focused on reducing emissions and exposure from transportation, industry, commercial operations, and other local pollution sources, while also supporting community outreach, education, and long-term community and environmental improvements.

The approved plan will now be reviewed by the California Air Resources Board later this summer. If approved, implementation of the CERP will begin in coordination with community partners and local stakeholders.

Air District Launches New Office of Community Air Protection and Monitoring

The Air District is proud to announce the launch of its new Office of Community Air Protection and Monitoring (OCAPM), marking an important milestone in the Air District’s long-term commitment to improving air quality, protecting public health, and advancing community-focused initiatives, including California's AB 617 Community Air Protection Program.

Under the leadership of Director Janice Lam Snyder, OCAPM strengthens coordination between the District's Community Air Protection and air quality monitoring and analysis programs and works closely with the Communications Office to enhance community engagement and public outreach. This collaborative approach supports data-informed decision-making, expands public engagement, and ensures community priorities continue to guide the Air District's work.

Over the coming years, OCAPM will lead implementation of the South Sacramento-Florin CERP, track progress, evaluate outcomes, engage with communities and partners, and connect residents with programs and resources that support cleaner air. The office will also continue to monitor regional and community air quality, support air quality planning efforts, evaluate toxic air pollutants and their impacts on communities, and conduct research to inform air quality policies and programs throughout Sacramento.

The creation of OCAPM reflects the Air District's continued investment in science, collaboration, and innovation to deliver cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future for the Sacramento region.

To review the new organizational structure, please visit the Air District’s website.

Moving the Ball Forward on Cleaner Air

If you ask longtime Sacramento residents about the region's air quality, many still remember the smog-filled days of the past. While wildfire smoke and poor air quality events continue to make headlines, they don't tell the whole story.

Over the past 25 years, Sacramento has made significant progress improving air quality through cleaner vehicles and engines, stronger regulations, innovative technologies, and the combined efforts of residents, businesses, public agencies, and community organizations. The result is air that is substantially cleaner today than it was a generation ago.

This summer, the Air District's "Moving the Ball Forward" campaign uses the excitement surrounding international soccer to highlight Sacramento's air quality progress, create a relatable connection between air quality, health, and sports performance, and remind residents that cleaner air is something our entire community has helped achieve and benefits from. Just as a successful team depends on every player working together, cleaner air results from decades of collaboration among residents, businesses, community organizations, and public agencies.

While there is still work to do, Sacramento's progress demonstrates what's possible when a community works toward a common goal. Continued investments in cleaner transportation, emerging technologies, and sustainable solutions will help keep the ball moving forward.

Before heading outside to play, exercise, or spend time with family and friends, make checking the air quality forecast part of your game plan!

• Download this flyer to learn more about air quality improvements.
• Follow our X, Facebook, and Instagram accounts to keep up with the campaign.
• Sign up for Air Alert to receive alerts on Spare The Air days so you can make informed decisions to reduce air pollution and protect your health. 
• Join us on July 11 at Street Soccer USA Sacramento’s Youth Soccer Saturday from 9-11AM

2026 State of the Air Report Highlights Sacramento's Clean Air Gains
Sacramento No Longer Among the Nation’s Most Polluted Cities for Particle Pollution

The American Lung Association’s 2026 State of the Air report highlighted continued air quality improvements across California, including encouraging progress for the Sacramento region.

This year’s report found that Sacramento was no longer among the nation’s 25 most polluted cities for particle pollution. Additionally, Sacramento experienced its fewest unhealthy ozone days in the report's history, marking a significant milestone in the region’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality and protect public health.  

Over the past several reports, Sacramento improved its ranking among the nation’s most ozone-polluted metropolitan areas, moving from 7th most polluted in 2024 to 16th most polluted in 2026. While improvements are positive, there is a continued need for coordinated local, state, and federal action to improve air quality.

Released annually by the American Lung Association, the 2026 State of the Air report evaluates counties and metropolitan areas nationwide for ozone pollution and particle pollution using data collected between 2022 and 2024. The report noted that, while many California communities continue to face air quality challenges, decades of cleaner technologies, stronger air quality standards, and regional collaboration have led to measurable improvements statewide.

Air District Executive Director Alberto Ayala participated in the American Lung Association’s media call announcing the report findings, joining air quality and public health leaders from across the country to discuss both the progress made and the work that still lies ahead.

The Air District continues working with regional partners, community organizations, businesses, and residents to reduce emissions through clean transportation programs, community air protection efforts, incentives, monitoring, and public education initiatives.

Incentive Opportunities Coming Soon 

The Air District is preparing over $20 million in investments to launch several funding opportunities to help residents, businesses, and community partners access cleaner technologies and help improve air quality across our region.

Summer solicitations

Upcoming incentive categories are expected to include:

• Residential Lawn and Garden – This funding helps Sacramento County residents replace old gas-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers with electric-powered equipment. Applications will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. 

• School Buses – This funding helps support local school districts in replacing school buses with electric models. Priority will be given to school districts in low-income communities, but all school districts will have the opportunity to apply.

• Commercial Lawn and Garden – This funding helps local landscaping businesses, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations replace combustion equipment with electric equipment. Applications will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fall solicitations

Upcoming incentive categories are expected to include:

• Off-Road Equipment – This funding helps businesses and public agencies replace mobile off-road equipment with cleaner technology. Eligible projects include farm tractors, electric forklifts, and electric utility terrain vehicles. 

• Community Greening Projects – This funding is intended for community greening projects aimed at reducing exposure to air pollution. Eligible projects will be entered into a competitive solicitation and ranked according to specific criteria.

• Charging and Fueling Infrastructure – This funding helps businesses and public agencies purchase and install battery charging and hydrogen fueling stations. Priority will be given to projects benefiting disadvantaged or low-income communities.

• On-Road Vehicles and Equipment – This funding is intended for on-road projects. Eligible projects include replacements and new purchases under the SECAT program. Priority will be given to projects benefiting low-income communities.

These programs are designed to support cleaner air and healthier communities by helping reduce emissions from everyday equipment, transportation, and local projects. Program details, eligibility requirements, updated funding amounts, and application timelines will be announced as each opportunity becomes available.

Sign up for the Air District’s “Incentive Programs” mailing list to receive timely updates on upcoming opportunities at www.AirQuality.org/subscribe. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss your chance to apply!

Clean Air and Climate Resilience Solutions

Air District Sponsoring Global Clean Energy Conference: RELIEVE 2026 

The Sac Metro Air District is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the RELIEVE 2026 Conference, an international event bringing together researchers, universities, industry leaders, government agencies, and community organizations to explore innovative solutions for cleaner air and a more sustainable future. The conference has been held annually for nearly 20 years, and this is the first time it has been hosted in the US.

Hosted in partnership with the University of California, Davis Institute of Transportation Studies and Tecnológico de Monterrey's Sustainable Energy Research Group, the conference on July 20-24 will highlight advancements in clean transportation, renewable energy, air quality, energy storage, sustainable agriculture, and other technologies that support a low-carbon future. Central themes of the RELIEVE conference are research collaboration and peer support.

Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer Dr. Alberto Ayala and Janice Lam Snyder, Director of the Office of Community Air Protection and Monitoring, will represent the Air District as featured keynote speakers, sharing experience and collaborating with experts from around the world.

By supporting RELIEVE 2026, the Air District continues to strengthen its science and technology programs, international partnerships, the exchange of ideas, and advance innovative approaches that support cleaner air and healthier communities in the Sacramento region and beyond.

Learn more about the conference, including the agenda, featured speakers, and registration at relieve.its.ucdavis.edu.

Hydrogen-Powered Technology Demo Showcases Emerging Transportation Option

On June 11, the Air District hosted a live demonstration of a hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) vehicle on the West Steps of the State Capitol, providing attendees with an opportunity to learn about emerging low-emission transportation technology.

Participants explored the vehicle up close and heard from experts how H2-ICE engines could help expand cleaner transportation options, particularly for medium- and heavy-duty applications. The event highlighted the role innovative technologies may play in reducing emissions while supporting a diverse transportation future.

This event was held in partnership with UC Riverside and PHINIA.

Air District Expertise in the Spotlight

Air District leadership and staff are regularly invited to speak at panels, forums, and conferences on air quality, climate policy, clean transportation, and emerging technologies. These engagements highlight the Air District’s regional leadership and technical expertise.

Below is a roundup of some recent and upcoming speaking engagements and events featuring Air District employees.

Speaker Events

• La Familia Press Conference, Sacramento (April 10, 2026): Director of Transportation and Climate Change Jaime Lemus spoke at the press conference at the Maple Neighborhood Center, celebrating the sale of the facility to La Familia and announcing a new Air District-funded park project on-site. The Sacramento City Unified School District had previously owned the facility.

• ASIC Conference, Los Angeles (May 4-8, 2026): OCAPM Director Janice Lam Snyder and Air Quality Scientist Katherine Chin-Chiu spoke at panels during this conference focused on leveraging air quality monitoring for effective decision-making. Lam Snyder spoke during a session titled “Participatory Community-Based Air Quality Monitoring,” and Chin-Chiu spoke during a session titled “Transforming Community-Based Air Monitoring Data into Strategies and Actions to Reduce Emissions and Exposures in the Community.”

• California Hydrogen Summit, Sacramento (June 9, 2026): APCO Alberto Ayala delivered the final keynote speech during this conference, bringing together policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders as they align on policy priorities, unlock investment pathways, and accelerate the scalable adoption of hydrogen.

• H2-ICE Demo, Sacramento (June 10, 2026): APCO Alberto Ayala emceed this event, which showcased PHINIA’s hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) technology and highlighted its potential applications in the transportation sector. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the technology, connect with industry experts, and explore how hydrogen-powered engines may help support future emissions-reduction goals.

• National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP), 2026 Spring Science Symposium, Wisconsin (June 10-11, 2026): OCAPM Director Janice Lam Snyder served as a panelist at the 2026 symposium on local air monitoring priorities and data needs that support community and regulatory decision-making. The symposium brings together scientists, policymakers, resource managers, and advocacy groups to advance innovative approaches to air, ecosystem, and environmental monitoring.

• Street Soccer USA Sacramento, Youth Soccer Saturday (July 11, 2026): OCAPM will attend this youth soccer event to share information with families and young athletes about air quality improvements in Sacramento over the past two decades. Scooter, the Spare The Air mascot, will also make a special appearance to help kids learn about air pollution and how to protect themselves when air quality is poor.

• RELIEVE Conference, Davis (July 20-24, 2026): The annual RELIEVE conference brings together researchers, universities, industry partners, governmental authorities, and civil associations from across Latin America and the world to strengthen collaboration on the search for innovative solutions on the sustainable use of energy in transportation, industry, buildings, and agriculture. Sponsored by the Sac Metro Air District, the conference aims to strengthen regional capacities worldwide to help governments and companies address energy and environmental challenges through research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional training. APCO Alberto Ayala and OCAPM Director Janice Lam Snyder will speak during the conference.

• Hydrogen Engine Alliance Conference, Michigan (September 15-16, 2026): Air Quality Engineer Kristian Damkier will speak on a policy panel exploring hydrogen and its use in on-road and non-road applications.

Let’s Breathe Better Together This Spare The Air Season

Sunny skies and warmer temperatures are back, which means Spare The Air season has officially returned to the Sacramento region through October 31.

During the summer months, heat, sunlight, and everyday vehicle emissions can combine to create unhealthy ground-level ozone pollution, also known as smog. When the AQI is forecast to reach 126 or higher, a Spare The Air alert is issued, encouraging Sacramento region residents to drive less and take simple steps to reduce pollution and protect their health.

By making small changes in how we travel and tackle everyday activities, we can all help the region breathe better together. Carpooling, taking transit, combining errands, biking, walking, working remotely, or postponing gasoline-powered yard work until the evening can all help reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Spare The Air encourages local agencies, businesses, schools, and community partners to help spread the word throughout the season — especially on Spare The Air alert days. Sharing alerts and clean air tips helps keep communities informed and supports healthier air for everyone. Check out our partners page to get more information and tools to help spread the word.

Want alerts sent directly to your phone or inbox? Sign up for Air Alert to receive Spare The Air forecasts and alerts all season long.