Celebrate Clean Air Day by Taking the Clean Air Pledge

Today is California’s 7th Annual Clean Air Day, an initiative by the Coalition for Clean Air that drives collective action to improve community health each year through a unified day of action. Organizations host events leading up to Clean Air Day each year to encourage participation in the Clean Air Pledge. The Clean Air Pledge allows individuals and organizations to commit to doing their part to clear the air, through actions big and small.

District-Sponsored Event

On September 29, the Air District, in collaboration with the City of Sacramento and local partners, successfully hosted a Clean Air Day event raising awareness about improving air quality in our community. The event was hosted at the Meadowview Certified Farmers' Market and drew attendees of all ages.

Attendees were welcomed with a variety of informational and interactive booths and enjoyed performances by Teatro Nagual, and resources like SABA’s free bike repair station. Booths covered topics such as understanding the air quality index, air monitoring projects, exploring e-bikes and EVs, bike safety tips, building electrification, tree planting, and composting. The event also kicked off the Air District’s Clean Air pledge challenge and drawing for a brand-new e-scooter and accessories. Entries are being accepted through today, October 2 using our pledge link. Please see the contest rules at www.AirQuality.org/CAD. The winner will be announced on the District’s X account later this month. See event photos here.

News Conference

This morning, the City of Sacramento in partnership with the Air District held a news conference at City Hall to celebrate Clean Air Day, highlight clean transportation, encourage residents to take the Clean Air pledge, and unveil a new story map highlighting an innovative community air monitoring project.

From February to April 2023, a specialized van equipped with sophisticated air monitoring equipment collected data across Sacramento neighborhoods to help reveal local air quality concerns. This effort enhances existing monitoring, deepens community education, and provides insights for partner agencies and local organizations. The partnership, made possible by a one-time investment from the Sacramento City Council, also distributed 200 portable air sensors and developed a new student curriculum focused on careers in the green economy.

Discover more and explore the interactive story map here.

New Online Services Launched for the Air District

On September 4, the Sac Metro Air District launched a new custom-built software solution to enhance core business programs, including permitting and compliance programs and District billing and revenue collection. The upgrade also introduces a new Online Services public portal to improve the way customers do business with the District.

Our Online Services allow customers to:

• Easily submit permit and asbestos applications
• Pay all fees online
• Submit forms, documents, and reports using a customer account
• Track application progress and transactions in one place

For more information about our new Online Services, please visit our website at www.AirQuality.org/Services. 

The delegation tours New Hope Dairy to see how it captures biogas from the anaerobic digestion of dairy manure used to create renewable energy.

Danish Delegation Meets with Air District on Climate Change

As part of its ongoing commitment to international collaboration on climate action, the Sac Metro Air District recently partnered with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council and the California Air Resources Board to host a delegation of Danish agricultural business owners and related associations.

The delegation engaged in a robust discussion about mandatory and voluntary strategies to address climate change at different levels of private and public involvement. The Sac Metro Air District showcased its long-standing commitment to achieving climate goals through its regional collaboration, advocacy, and leadership in all of its programs including the recently approved Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) bio-gen project at its wastewater treatment plant in Elk Grove.

The meeting focused on sharing state and local solutions to address climate change challenges, especially related to lowering methane emissions from dairies – one of the major contributors to global climate emissions. The delegates also toured New Hope Dairy, a local dairy farm that is actively capturing biogas from the anaerobic digestion of dairy manure that is used to create renewable energy.

"We are delighted to have had the opportunity to engage with members of the Danish business community on critical issues like climate change," said Raef Porter, Transportation and Climate Change Program Manager. 

SacSewer Bio-Gen Project Permitted Following Community Workshop

In August, the Air District hosted an informational workshop in English and Spanish about the preliminary approval of new equipment for the SacSewer wastewater treatment plant in Elk Grove. The District highlighted this project to raise community awareness, answer residents' questions, and provide an opportunity for public comments.

SacSewer’s bio-generation project includes the installation of several engines, a new boiler and a fuel cell, all of which will be used in the wastewater treatment process and onsite energy production. The inclusion of the fuel cell, and advanced non-combustion technology, is an important step for the public agency to take and supports air quality goals to advance the clean energy transition.

On August 26, 2024, the Air District approved the Authority to Construct permits, allowing SacSewer to begin construction and installation of the bio-generation project.

To learn more about this project, please feel free to review the following resources:

Project documents

• Engineering Evaluation (pdf) 
• Draft Authority to Construct 27780 (pdf) 
• Draft Authority to Construct 27781 (pdf) 
• Draft Authority to Construct 27782 (pdf) 
• Draft Authority to Construct 27783 (pdf) 
• Draft Authority to Construct 27784 (pdf) 
• Draft Authority to Construct 27785 (pdf)

August 14 Workshop

• Recorded Meeting (English, Spanish)
• Presentation (English, Spanish)

CARB Approves CERP Designation for Air District's AB 617 Community

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved the Air District’s request to transition its AB 617 South Sacramento-Florin community into a Community Emissions Reduction Program-designated (CERP-designated) community. On July 26, CARB voted to approve the transition after hearing support from members of the Steering Committee, the Air District board, and local partners. The Air District will continue to implement its Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP) as it transitions to a CERP.

New Community Boundaries

In preparation for transitioning to a CERP, the Air District and the Steering Committee conducted extensive outreach efforts, including participating in various community events and neighborhood association meetings. This effort led to the approval of expanded community boundaries, ensuring that nearby communities can participate in and benefit from the CERP designation. Ongoing outreach efforts are planned to ensure community members’ voices are central to the development of the CERP.

Join the Steering Committee

The Air District is looking for community members who live, work, or own a business within the newly expanded community boundary to join the AB 617 Steering Committee. This committee will help develop ideas to improve air quality and recommend the best ways to share air quality information with the community. Committee members may earn a monthly stipend, depending upon their eligibility and whether funds are available. 

To apply, please fill out the online application or print the application and mail it to: Sac Metro Air District, Attn: AB 617 Steering Committee, 777 12th Street, Ste. 300, Sacramento, CA 95814. 

Public Meeting

Community members are encouraged to attend our upcoming meeting on October 28 where additional information will be shared about the CERP process.

More information about Community Air Protection is available at www.AirQuality.org/CAP. For questions about the CERP, please contact AB617clerk@airquality.org. 

Clean Cars 4 All Program Expands Throughout Sacramento County: Now Offering Higher Grants and E-Bike Choices!

Great news! The Air District’s Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) program has expanded throughout Sacramento County, offering income-eligible households an increased grant of up to $12,000 when they replace their gas-powered car or truck with a clean mobility option. This expansion brings a significant boost to the program's efforts in promoting clean transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Sacramento region.

What is CC4A?

CC4A is an incentive program designed to assist income-qualified residents, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, in transitioning to cleaner transportation options. The program provides grants to help eligible households scrap their old, polluting vehicles and replace them with zero- or near-zero-emission vehicles or transit alternatives. CC4A is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that leverages Cap-and-Trade funds to support projects aimed at reducing emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

What's New?

• Increased Grant Amount: Eligible households can now receive grants of up to $12,000, making it even more accessible for residents to make the switch to cleaner vehicles or alternative transportation methods.
• E-Bikes as a Mobility Choice: In addition to clean vehicle and transit options, the expanded CC4A program now offers E-bikes as a mobility choice. This addition aligns with the program's goal of promoting sustainable transportation solutions that benefit both individuals and the environment.

Join the Clean Transportation Movement!

If you're an income-qualified resident in Sacramento County, don't miss out on the opportunity to benefit from the expanded CC4A program. Check your eligibility today!

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.

Past Events

• GenCell EVXO Expo at the California Mobility Hub (August 5, 2024): Transportation and Climate Change Program Manager Raef Porter spoke about hydrogen projects and challenges to sustainable transportation.
• Forth Roadmap Conference (September 25, 2024): Transportation and Climate Change Director Jaime Lemus spoke about innovative zero-emission technology during the Cutting Edge Track.
• SMUD Youth Energy Summit (September 27, 2024): Air Quality Planner/Analyst Brianna Moland spoke about the Sac Metro Air District’s Urban Heat Island Mitigation Project and the impacts of extreme heat on lower-income and disadvantaged Sacramento area residents. Topics included an exploration of why certain communities face greater risk and how Sac Metro Air District is contributing to solutions.
• American Planners Association CA Conference – Cultivating our Future (September 28 – October 1, 2024): Transportation and Climate Change Director Jaime Lemus spoke about the development and implementation of mobility hubs and their importance to disadvantaged neighborhoods. 

Upcoming Events

• Sac Metro Chamber Study Mission (October 1-4, 2024): Air Quality Specialist Victoria Peña is representing Leadership Sacramento and the Sac Metro Air District at the 24th Annual Study Mission in St. Louis. The Study Mission explores the St. Louis region’s innovations, partnerships, challenges, and lessons learned from leading economic, cultural, and civic drivers.
• Power Inn Alliance (October 3, 2024): Associate Air Quality Engineer Kristian Damkier will discuss funding opportunities for businesses interested in EV charging projects during a panel discussion hosted by the Power Inn Alliance.
• National Association of Clean Air Agencies Fall Membership Meeting (October 8-9, 2024): Air Quality Planner/Analyst Brianna Moland will present on the Air District’s leadership in updating the final Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity (GHG Handbook) and the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod). The update incorporates new GHG mitigation strategies and refreshes quantification methods and underlying data.

Protecting Air Quality Through Every Season

As the seasons change, so do our air quality efforts. While summer might be behind us, the importance of clean air remains front and center!

Spare The Air Through October 31

Even as the temperatures cool, the potential for ground-level ozone pollution remains. Through October 31, Spare The Air will issue an alert if the air quality index for ground-level ozone pollution is forecast to reach 126 or above. When an alert is issued, residents in the Sacramento region are encouraged to carpool, ride transit, telework, or choose biking and walking to help reduce ground-level ozone, known as smog.

Spare The Air is a collaborative effort between the Sac Metro Air District and the air districts of the Sacramento region. For up-to-date forecasts, current conditions, and tips on how you can contribute to cleaner air, visit www.SpareTheAir.com.

Check Before You Burn Starting November 1

As smog season winds down, it’s time to gear up for the Air District's annual Check Before You Burn program, beginning November 1 and running through February 2025. This law ensures cleaner air by restricting the use of fireplaces, wood stoves, inserts, and pellet stoves when fine particle pollution (PM2.5) levels are forecast to be high.

The law applies to everyone—whether you're a resident or business—in unincorporated Sacramento County or the Cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento.

Wood burning contributes to more than 50 percent of winter pollution in Sacramento County, posing a serious health risk to residents. By following this law, you help protect your community from the harmful effects of particle pollution.

Checking the daily burn status is easy! Visit www.AirQuality.org/CBYB or call 1-877-NO-BURN-5 to find out if it's legal to burn. If you notice someone violating the rules, report it anonymously by calling 800-880-9025 or filing a complaint online. Non-compliance can result in penalties, so it's essential to stay informed.

Let's all do our part to keep the air clean and our communities healthy this winter!

MOSAC's First Bilingual Exhibit Open Now