Sacramento Region Celebrates Major Clean Air Milestone

Watch this video recap of the ozone attainment event held at Folsom City Hall on August 21.

The Sacramento region has reached a clean air milestone years in the making. On August 21, the air districts of the Sacramento region, along with federal, state, and regional leaders, gathered in Folsom to mark the attainment of the federal 2008 ground-level ozone standard by the 2024 deadline.

At the event, then-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 Administrator Josh Cook joined Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Sac Metro Air District Board Chair and Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino, Sacramento Metro Chamber representative Cameron Gallad, Placer County Health & Human Services Director Dr. Rob Oldham, and California Air Resources Board Member Eric Guerra to celebrate this milestone. Sac Metro Air District Executive Director Dr. Alberto Ayala emceed the event.

Speakers emphasized that this success was the result of sustained collaboration among air districts, community leaders, businesses, and residents. Even as the region has grown – with more people, vehicles, and economic activity – strategic investments in cleaner technologies, smarter policies, and public awareness have delivered tangible results.

Attainment covers a large and diverse area, including Sacramento and Yolo counties, and portions of Solano, Sutter, El Dorado, and Placer counties. The effort was led by five regional air districts: El Dorado Air Quality Management District, Feather River Air Quality Management District, Placer County Air Pollution Control District, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, and Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District.

The EPA confirmed that certified air quality data from 2022 to 2024 show the region’s ground-level ozone levels now meet the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The benefits of attainment include cleaner air for residents, helping businesses avoid additional regulatory requirements, less damage to crops and other vegetation, and continued eligibility for federal transportation and infrastructure funding.

The next step for the air districts is to develop a long-term maintenance plan and formally request redesignation from the EPA to remove the “severe nonattainment” label. 

APCO Alberto Ayala discusses the importance of meeting air quality standards.

Then-Administrator Cook speaks with Air District staff at the event.

Air Districts Help Drive Cleaner Future with SB 88

A major step forward for California’s air quality and climate goals is awaiting the Governor’s signature. SB 88 (Cabellero, 2025), the Biomass Utilization for Carbon Reduction Act, sponsored by the Sac Metro Air District and the Placer County Air Pollution Control District, will support the use of agricultural and forest biomass waste to help reduce harmful burning and climate pollution.

SB 88 directs that material toward beneficial purposes like biochar, renewable fuels, and improved forest management. This will result in fewer emissions, less wildfire risk, and healthier communities.

The bill also ensures these practices are integrated into California’s long-term climate strategy, while requiring state-funded forest health projects to quantify biomass removal and directing the State Energy Commission to study innovative fuel and carbon reduction uses.

“Thank you to Senator Anna Caballero for championing this important legislation. SB 88 will reduce harmful burning, protect public health, and help create cleaner, healthier communities across our region and the state,” said Amy Roberts, Director of Engineering and Compliance at the Sac Metro Air District.

SB 88 underscores a shared commitment to protecting public health, supporting clean technology, and moving California closer to a carbon-neutral future.

Take the Clean Air Pledge by October 1

October 1 marks California Clean Air Day, a statewide day of action dedicated to protecting and improving the air we all breathe. Across the state, Californians are making small, meaningful changes today that add up to cleaner, healthier air for everyone.

This morning, Sacramento Mayor Pro Tem and Air District Board Member Eric Guerra, in partnership with the Air District, hosted a bike-to-school event at the Language Academy of Sacramento. Adults and students biked to school and enjoyed music, freebies, and donuts on campus. Air District staff also shared information about the Clean Cars 4 All program, which offers up to $12,000 to help eligible households switch to a clean mobility option like an EV or e-Bike.

There’s still time to join in by taking the Clean Air Pledge. The pledge outlines simple, customizable actions you can commit to, such as:

• Driving less – carpool, bike, walk, or take transit.
• Cutting emissions at home – composting food scraps or working from home to reduce traffic and emissions.
• Making a lasting impact – plant a garden, choose greener products, or upgrade to an electric vehicle.
• Spreading the word – encourage your friends and family to also take the Clean Air Pledge.

By taking the pledge, you’ll join thousands of neighbors, schools, and businesses working toward one shared goal – cleaner air and a healthier future for all.

Take the Clean Air Pledge today and be part of the change!

Clean Cars 4 All in the Community: 
Outreach Events

This fall, the Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) team hit the road, connecting directly with residents across Sacramento. In September, the team joined the Latino Book & Family Festival at Valley High School and partnered with SMUD for the final Ride and Drive event of the year at the Original Lowrider X Wired Down Sacramento Festival.

Next up, CC4A will be at the Black Film Festival on October 7 in partnership with ET Community. Our team will share information about clean vehicle options, highlight the benefits of electric cars, explain available incentives, and provide hands-on support with the CC4A eligibility quiz and application process.

These outreach efforts bring the program to families who may face barriers to information and empower more community members to access up to $12,000 to help replace older, higher-polluting vehicles with clean mobility options. By meeting people where they are, CC4A is building awareness, fostering trust, and ensuring more households can benefit from cleaner, healthier transportation.

About the Program

Clean Cars 4 All helps income-qualified households replace older, polluting vehicles with clean transportation options, reducing harmful emissions and improving local air quality. With higher grants and more choices than ever before, making the switch is easier – and more affordable – than you might think.

Check your eligibility and learn more at www.SacCleanCars4All.org.

From Brainstorm to Blueprint: CERP Moves Toward Final Decisions

The Air District and the South Sacramento-Florin Community Steering Committee are pushing forward in their mission for cleaner air, with the Community Emission Reduction Plan (CERP) strategy-building phase now well underway.

Recent Meeting Recaps

In August, the Steering Committee heard presentations from the Residential and Outreach workgroups. Members reviewed and discussed strategies such as increasing access to portable air purifiers, promoting electric home appliances, supporting cleaner lawn and garden tools, expanding air quality education in schools, and making the complaint process more accessible for residents.

September’s meeting took a deeper look at feasibility analyses prepared by Air District staff. Discussions covered high-, medium-, and low-cost options, potential partners, and other factors needed to move strategies toward implementation.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

On October 15, the Air District, in partnership with Valley Vision, will host a free community workshop, “The Air We Share: A Community Conversation,” to share about air pollution data and ways to improve air quality. Community members will also be able to provide feedback and help prioritize emissions reduction strategies for the Community Emissions Reduction Plan (AB 617).

Join us at the Maple Neighborhood Center (3301 37th Street, Sacramento) from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Food, gift cards, and prizes will be provided. Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong, and Farsi interpretations will be available. Please email laurel.smith@valleyvision.org if you have any questions, need interpretation, or require additional accommodations. Please register on Eventbrite.

Then join us for this month’s regularly scheduled Steering Committee meeting on October 27, featuring a participatory budget activity to help prioritize strategies for inclusion in the draft plan. The meeting will be held in-person only at the Maple Neighborhood Center (3301 37th Street, Sacramento). Community members are encouraged to attend. For full meeting information, please visit www.AirQuality.org/CAP.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to November and December, the Steering Committee is expected to finalize the draft strategies for public comment to be released in early 2026. In 2026, the draft CERP will be revised based on Steering Committee feedback, with a final CERP released for public comment. The final CERP will be adopted by the Air District Board and submitted to the California Air Resources Board by summer 2026.

The work is intense, but our Air Quality Avengers are far from slowing down! 

New Clean Air Projects Funded

Following a successful round of applications for Clean Air Projects, the Air District is excited to announce the selection of two new community-driven projects. These efforts will launch this fall, supporting Air District goals and complementing the work being done in our South Sacramento-Florin Community.

Sacramento Tree Foundation-South Sac Tree Alliance Project

This project connects tree planting with workforce pathways and civic engagement, while aligning with the Franklin Boulevard Complete Streets project. The project, spanning over a year, aims to plant 1,000 new trees and host community tree planting and tree care events in South Sacramento neighborhoods, focusing on the Franklin Boulevard corridor. The project will work in partnership with United Latinos to conduct community outreach, provide leadership development, and engage more than 500 residents and businesses in accepting free trees and education.

ET Community – Sacramento Evolution Campaign

This initiative focuses on inclusive electric mobility and expanding electrification opportunities beyond transportation. Over the course of two years, ET Community will partner with local and faith-based organizations to host four large community gatherings and three to six listening sessions to deliver education on the benefits and cost savings of electrification. The project is focused on building trust, reducing barriers, and ensuring activities are tailored to community needs.

Together, these projects represent an almost $518,000 investment in Sacramento’s high-need communities and help achieve air quality goals, including increased urban tree canopy and electric mobility adoption, among others.

In addition to these funded projects, the Air District has a new list of approved projects eligible for future funding opportunities. These, along with all funded and in-progress projects, can be viewed at www.AirQuality.org/SEP. 

Air District Strengthens Global Climate Collaboration with Chinese Delegation Visit

This summer, the Air District hosted another delegation from China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, led by newly appointed Director General Li Tianwei. The group, which included seven other officials from the Department of Atmospheric Environment, visited California to learn about air quality management, permitting, planning, and regional coordination.

The Sacramento stop included a tour of Silgan Containers Manufacturing Corp., a major permitted facility that controls volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from can manufacturing and coating operations. Delegates observed the plant’s air pollution control equipment and discussed local and federal permitting requirements.

The visit was part of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between California and the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment, aimed at fostering cooperation on climate and environmental protection and strengthening joint action to combat climate change.

First-Ever Hydrogen Fuel Cell Locomotive Unveiled 

Sacramento is moving full steam ahead on clean transportation. In September, Sierra Northern Railway unveiled the nation’s first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission switcher locomotive in West Sacramento. The new technology is designed to replace older, higher-polluting engines that often operate near communities, offering quieter operation and cleaner air.

The Air District is proud to play a key role in expanding this innovative project. Through state-administered funds, the Air District will help bring three additional hydrogen fuel cell locomotives to Sacramento, strengthening the region’s transition to zero-emission rail.

“Projects like this demonstrate how innovation and public investment can work together to deliver real health and climate benefits,” said Sac Metro Air District Executive Director Dr. Alberto Ayala. “By helping to deploy these locomotives, we’re reducing pollution where people live and work, while supporting California’s clean energy economy.”

As the technology advances, these innovative locomotives will pave the way for cleaner long-haul freight operations across the state and beyond.

With three more locomotives on the way, the Sacramento region is once again leading the charge in showing how clean air solutions can drive both environmental progress and economic opportunity.

Clean Air and Climate Resilience Solutions

Air District Expertise in the Spotlight

Air District leadership and staff regularly speak on panels, forums, and at meetings on a variety of air quality and climate issues as experts in their fields. Here is a roundup of recent and upcoming speaking engagements featuring Air District participants.

Upcoming Events



• 2025 CAPCOA Enforcement Managers Fall Symposium (Oct. 22-23): Director of Engineering and Compliance Amy Roberts will present at the symposium during a highlighting how to integrate business and community impacts into compliance efforts through tools such as business assistance, outreach, and Community Emissions Reduction Plan (CERP) strategies.

Seasons May Change, But Our Commitment to Clean Air Continues

As summer turns to fall, leaves turn orange, and days become cooler, the way we monitor air quality shifts with the seasons. Whatever the time of year, cleaner, healthier air for everyone in our community remains the goal.

Spare The Air Through October 31

From May 1 through October 31, Spare The Air alerts are issued whenever the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to reach 126 or higher for ground-level ozone. On Spare The Air days, residents are urged to drive less and take steps to protect their health. So far this season, there have been two Spare The Air days, and with one month left, additional alerts may be issued. The best way to stay on top of forecasted air quality conditions is to sign up for Air Alerts at www.SpareTheAir.com/signup.

Check Before You Burn November - February

Starting November 1, the focus shifts to particulate matter pollution with the launch of the Check Before You Burn season. Running through the end of February, this law applies to residents and businesses in Sacramento County, including the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento. When fine particle pollution (PM2.5) is expected to be high, the use of fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, and other wood-burning devices is restricted. Be sure to check the daily burn status at www.AirQuality.org/CBYB to make sure you only burn on “Legal to Burn” days.