Congresswoman Matsui Expresses Support For “Capital Region Climate Priorities Plan” During Air District’s March Board Meeting
Air District Applies for Phase Two CPRG Implementation Funding With Millions Potentially Coming to Region
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Emphasizing the importance of environmental justice and addressing the climate crisis, Congresswoman Doris Matsui expressed her ongoing support of the Air District’s leadership in developing a comprehensive Capital Region Climate Priorities Plan (Plan) during the Air District’s March 28 Board of Directors Meeting. The Plan was submitted by the Air District on behalf of the seven-county Sacramento region under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program.
Congresswoman Matsui’s remarks also covered her ongoing support of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program as well as the collaborative efforts of the Air District, SMUD, SacRT, SACOG, and the many other stakeholders that came together to develop the Plan.
“When we were considering how to make the most impact with our climate investments the most important thing for me was to recognize the regional needs of different communities. The climate crisis is very critical at the local level,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “We are all pulling in the same direction. Most importantly, this action Plan shows that we understand our community and positions us well to compete for implementation grants.”
The Plan, which resulted in unprecedented cooperation and collaboration among 29 local and regional partners led by the Air District, outlines 24 climate measures that would create substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions and a myriad of co-benefits, including advancing equity and opportunities in the clean energy transition.
The Air District led the climate planning process, which guarantees the region’s opportunity to compete for future CPRG implementation grants that could bring millions of dollars in funding over the next six years for projects identified in the Plan. The Air District submitted the region’s application for phase two implementation funding on April 1. Phase two grant awards will be announced by July 1.
“Thank you to Congresswoman Matsui for her steadfast commitment to the Sacramento region by championing funding for innovative and necessary climate change projects,” said Air Pollution Control Officer Dr. Alberto Ayala. “Thanks to the Congresswoman’s support and the hard work and determination of our CPRG team and partners, this Plan represents the region’s integrated environmental priorities, with a focus on improving air quality and reducing climate impacts for our residents, including those most vulnerable to pollution.”
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U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Guzman Meets with Air District, Local Leaders to Discuss Clean Air Projects and Tour Lion Electric
As part of an official visit organized by Congressman Ami Bera’s office in March, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest Region (Region 9) Martha Guzman met with the Air District and other regional leaders. The visit included discussions about the capital region’s CPRG program, local clean air projects, and ongoing environmental justice efforts followed by a tour of the Lion Electric facility in McClellan Park.
“Thank you to Congressman Dr. Bera, and to the EPA, for supporting critical investments in air quality improvement, monitoring and infrastructure projects in neighborhoods most impacted by pollution,” said Sac Metro Air District Air Pollution Control Officer Dr. Alberto Ayala. “We are thrilled to highlight for Congressman Dr. Bera and EPA Region 9 Administrator Guzman electric, hydrogen, and biomass projects already underway in our region that focus on advancing environmental justice and reducing negative climate impacts in our region. Through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Investing in America Agenda, our region has a comprehensive plan ready to address these challenges through innovative and cutting-edge projects. We look forward to advancing our collaborative efforts and driving positive climate action in the Sacramento region for years to come.”
For coverage of the visit, please see this article.
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Air District’s AB 617 Community Taking Next Steps in Community Air Protection Program
Following the successful implementation of its Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP), the Air District’s AB 617 community – South Sacramento-Florin – will transition to a Community Emission Reduction Program (CERP). The Air District has received funding from the California Air Resources Board to develop and implement a CERP in partnership with the Steering Committee and with input from the community. The CERP will include air quality strategies to target local air pollution. The CERP process is expected to take about two years.
During its three-phase CAMP implementation, the Air District expanded its air monitoring network by installing portable sensors throughout the South Sacramento-Florin community, measured PM2.5, black carbon, toxic metals, and toxic gases, and launched a portable air monitoring laboratory to provide additional hourly monitoring data. The portable lab is currently located at Fern Bacon Middle School near the intersection of Franklin and 47th Avenue. Air quality data from these efforts are posted here.
As the South Sacramento-Florin community transitions to a CERP, community input will be needed to better understand priorities on the types of strategies desired. Future implementation may include funding for expanding infrastructure, electric charging, working with local jurisdictions on improving land use air quality projects, ensuring compliance with permits, mitigating exposure like air filtration for schools, day cares, and increasing green space, among other projects. The Air District continues to work closely with its Steering Committee, community members and local stakeholders as part of its commitment to fostering lasting partnerships with residents, business owners and community-based organizations interested in advancing AB 617 protections in the region.
As part of the CERP process, numerous community meetings will offer opportunities for public engagement. Additionally, the Air District is currently seeking South Sacramento-Florin community residents to serve on its Steering Committee. Steering Committee members will work to help improve air quality and recommend the best ways to share air quality information with the South Sacramento-Florin community. Committee members may earn a monthly stipend, depending upon their eligibility and whether funds are available.
For more information, the Steering Committee application, or meeting dates, please visit www.AirQuality.org/CAP. |
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Air District Committed to Continuing to Protect Public Health as EPA Releases Final Rule on More Stringent Annual PM2.5 Standard
New Limit Likely Will Result in Nonattainment for the Sacramento Region
In February, the EPA released a new, more stringent health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for annual particulate matter (PM2.5) of 9.0 µg/m3. Exposure to PM2.5 is linked with premature death, cancer, and other serious respiratory and cardiovascular effects.
“The Sac Metro Air District supports the scientific review process that results in the adoption of health-protective standards and is pleased the federal evaluation of the latest evidence regarding the effects of PM2.5 pollution is concluded,” says Air Pollution Control Officer Dr. Alberto Ayala. “While a lower annual standard of 9.0 µg/m3 will be more challenging for our region to meet, we are up to the task and ready to work with our residents and businesses on a plan to get there. The Air District’s commitment to reducing PM pollution, particularly in areas most at risk, is unwavering because the health of our residents depends on it.”
The federal government is required to review the NAAQS approximately every five years. This final rule of 9.0 µg/m3 represents a significant reduction from the former standard of 12.0 µg/m3. In the past, ambient PM2.5 pollution levels in the Sacramento region have steadily decreased thanks to various strategies and programs administered by the Air District and its regional air agency partners. As a result, the Sacramento region met the EPA’s former annual PM2.5 NAAQS of 12.0 µg/m3.
The new rule will impact the work of many state and local air pollution control agencies which, like Sacramento, will be required to develop a new set of air quality management plans for meeting the new limit and implementing several new additional technical requirements.
For additional details about the updated rule, please read the Air District's February 7 news release. For an overview of what the new rule will mean for the Sacramento region, please see this flyer. |
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CalSTART Grant to Provide New Funding for Sacramento Mobility Hubs
The Air District, with project partners CALSTART, Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT), and the Sacramento Clean Cities Coalition, was awarded funds from the U.S. Department of Energy to build three mobility hubs in midtown and north Sacramento.
The projects will be located in Alkali Flat and the Globe and Arden light rail stops. As part of the development of these mobility hubs, project partners will work with community members and community-based organizations to identify the mobility needs in these areas. The Air District will also work with project partners and the community to implement solutions that include electric vehicle charging and on-demand micro-transit through SacRT’s SmaRTRide.
The project will start in 2024 with the development of the mobility hubs starting in 2025. Learn more about the project by visiting SacRT's website. |
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Clean Air and Climate Resilience Solutions
To improve air quality in the Sacramento region, the Air District funds a wide variety of projects from residents, businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies that reduce fossil fuel combustion pollution, advance our efforts to meet federal air quality standards and state decarbonization goals, and result in important economic development co-benefits. The Air District strives to advance environmental justice principles by giving communities an opportunity to participate in decisions about activities that may affect their environment and/or health and delivering projects that improve air quality in underserved communities bearing a disproportionate share of negative environmental impacts.
Incentive Projects
The Air District is now accepting applications for funding new incentive projects. The District has approximately $15 million that can be used to move our region toward zero-emission vehicles, infrastructure, and equipment. A special emphasis will be placed on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and commercial lawn and garden equipment. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, small businesses, non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, public agencies, fleet operators, and infrastructure providers.
More information, including a link to the incentive application, can be found by visiting our webpage. |
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Recent Award Recipients
Congratulations to all our partners for helping to attain clean air and a low-carbon future for all!
Dry Creek Ranch $13,500
River Delta Unified School District
$308,000
Riverfront Plaza HOA $54,939
GH Property Holding
$218,791
Rio Viento Vineyards $134,326
California Waste Recovery Systems LLC $503,496
TH Mellow & Sons Dairy
$102,968
Mike Johnson
$127,133
Stockton Plaza Partners
$268,646
Twin Rivers Unified School District
$1,100,000
Au Energy LLC
$173,379
Fairfield Inn & Suites
$250,221
Sacramento City Unified School District
$2,221,639
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Turning Clean Air Violations Into Community Clean Air Investments: Alhambra Landscaping Plan
The Midtown Association received $85,600 in Air District funds from the Air District’s Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) program. The SEP program funds community-based projects using a portion of penalties collected from air quality violations and is a part of the Air District’s contribution to a local strategy to reduce emissions in our underserved communities.
Alhambra Landscape Plan
The Midtown Association’s mission is to make Midtown the center for culture, creativity, and vibrancy in Sacramento’s urban core. The Alhambra Landscaping Plan began in 2018 with a comprehensive master plan crafted by ATLAS Labs, Inc. and an effort by Honest Agency to create the Walk Alhambra brand. The project received funding from the Air District, SMUD, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, former councilmember Jeff Harris, and the Sacramento Kings.
Now fully launched, the plan transformed into reality in 2023 with the installation of two new murals, vibrant art wraps on eight city-owned utility boxes, 24 branded bright purple bike racks at six locations, and 28 large planters filled with drought-resistant plants.
“I’m proud of the dedicated District team that developed the SEP Program to support valuable community projects like Midtown Association’s Alhambra Landscaping Plan. Projects like these help the region meet air quality and climate goals by promoting active transportation options like walking and biking, while improving the quality of life in local communities,” says Air District Director of Engineering and Compliance Amy Roberts. “The District remains committed to turning clean air violation funds into clean air investments in our community.”
Get more information on the Air District’s SEP program here. |
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Spare The Air Launches May 1
From May through October, you and your family may feel the health effects of ground-level ozone air pollution, also known as smog. Smog is the region’s primary pollutant during these months and is primarily caused by emissions from cars and trucks interacting with the hot summer sun.
When the air quality index for ground-level ozone pollution is forecast to reach 126 or above in the Sacramento region, a Spare The Air alert will be issued informing residents of the poor air quality and encouraging them to help reduce pollution by carpooling, riding transit, teleworking, bicycling, walking and more.
Spare The Air is a partnership between the Sac Metro Air District and the Air Districts of the Sacramento region.
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Check Before You Burn: Season Wrap Up
Each year, from November 1 through the end of February, residents and businesses in Sacramento County and the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento are required to check the daily burn status before using a wood-burning fireplace or other wood-burning devices. “No Burn” days are called when weather conditions trap wood smoke particles near the ground. When burning restrictions are in place, it is illegal to burn wood, pellets, manufactured logs, or any other solid fuel when fine particle pollution (PM2.5) is forecast to be high.
The 2023-2024 season concluded on February 29. This season, there were 16 days when burning restrictions were declared. There were 179 complaints and 18 violations issued.
As a reminder, this law is in place to protect public health and achieve federal air quality standards. If these standards are not met, the region risks losing eligibility for millions of federal dollars for transportation infrastructure.
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New Director of Administrative Services Joins the Air District
Following Jamille Moens’ retirement in February 2024, the Air District has selected its next Director of Administrative Services – Megan Shepard. She will oversee the Administrative Services Division consisting of Communications, Finance, General Administration/Clerk of the Board, Human Resources, and Information Services.
Ms. Shepard comes to the Air District with more than 15 years of governmental accounting and administration experience having most recently served as the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for the Sacramento County Department of Waste Management & Recycling.
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Shepard to the Air District.
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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 speaking engagements featuring Air District participants.
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Cleaner Air Partnership Technical Advisory Committee (February 14, 2024): Compliance Manager Angela Thompson participated in the Cleaner Air Partnership’s Technical Advisory Committee featuring the California Air Resource Board’s Portable Equipment Registration Program and how compliance needs vary across the region for portable generators, woodchippers, and large air compressors. Watch a recording here.
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Navigating Tomorrow: A Panel Discussion on "Your Fleet of the Future" (February 15, 2024): Associate Air Quality Engineer Kristian Damkier participated in a panel discussion led by the California Mobility Center focused on the future of medium and heavy-duty trucks for both on and off-road applications, particularly catering to the construction and waste/recycling industries.
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2024 Tribal Clean Energy Summit (February 27-28, 2024): Director of Transportation and Climate Change Jaime Lemus participated in the Department of Energy’s 2024 Tribal Clean Energy Summit speaking during the “Roadmap to a Zero-Emission Transportation Future” session focused on the development of a ZEV roadmap through innovative approaches and deployment best practices that take a holistic approach to successful ZEV implementation. Conference sessions were live-streamed on DOE’s YouTube channel here.
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Cleaner Air Partnership Quarterly Luncheon (March 8, 2024): Transportation and Climate Change Program Manager Raef Porter and Assistant Air Quality Planner/Analyst Brianna Moland shared more about the greenhouse gas reduction measures detailed in the Capital Region Climate Priorities Plan. The Plan was an effort led by the Air District on behalf of the seven-county region that guarantees the region the opportunity to apply for Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program (CPRG) funds over the next six years. Read the Plan at www.AirQuality.org/CPRG.
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UC Davis, Department of Civil and Environmental Pathways Course (March 13, 2024): Transportation and Climate Change Director Jaime Lemus and Director of Community Air Protection Janice Lam Snyder spoke to students about careers related to climate change and social justice and shared more about each of their professional journeys.
Upcoming Events
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2024 Air Sensors International Conference (April 29-May 2, 2024): Director of Community Air Protection Janice Lam Snyder will speak in a session titled “Real-time Portable Air Pollution Sensor Data for Informing Communities and Guiding Local Development and Funding Decisions” to highlight the Air District’s work using sensors in communities to improve air quality actions. More information about this conference is available here.
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