CARB approves first ever AB 617 emission reduction plans for Fresno and Shafter

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently announced its approval of two emission reduction plans for the San Joaquin Valley. The plans will affect the communities of South Central Fresno and Shafter, two areas significantly impacted by air pollution.

AB 617 Target Areas, Photo Credit - CARB

Assembly Bill 617 requires that these Community Emissions Reduction Programs to identify, monitor and reduce air pollutants of specific concern to each location. 

“These two emission reduction plans are only the beginning of the focused efforts to cut air pollution in the communities of Shafter and South Fresno,” said CARB Executive Officer Richard Corey. “The next step is turning the plans into actions on the ground. CARB stands ready to work with the communities, air district and others to provide continued support and rigorous oversight to make sure the plans adopted today deliver on their promise of healthier air for all.”

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) helped gather together residents, businesses, air regulators, and other stakeholders to form steering committees that developed specific emissions reduction strategies for the two areas. 

“We applaud the action taken by the California Air Resources Board to approve the Community Emission Reduction Programs for the communities of Shafter and South Central Fresno,” stated Samir Sheikh Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. “We look forward to working closely with these communities to reduce air pollution and improve quality of life for community residents.”

Emission sources targeted include:

• Passenger cars
• Residential energy use
• Urban sources
• Heavy-duty trucks
• Industrial and agricultural sources including pesticides
• Oil and gas operations
• Fugitive dust

To address AB 617 requirements, CARB created the Office of Community Air Protection (OCAP). More information on OCAP may be found at this link: Community Air Protection Blueprint

Valley Air District to hold Public Workshop on Community Actions to reduce air pollution

Interested in becoming more involved in protecting your environment?

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District will be holding a public workshop, available in person or online, to explain just how you can do that.

Photo: California Air Resources Board AB 617 website

The District will be discussing the San Joaquin Valley Community Engagement and Protection Program and the implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 617 on March 6, 2018 at 5:30 pm.

AB 617 is the first-of-its-kind statewide effort to develop community-focused efforts to address air pollution. It will include community air monitoring,emission reduction programs, and much more.

For more information, please call (559) 230-6000, or check the following links:

AB 617

SJVAPCD Workshop Info

SJVAPCD Webcast Info

Free emission test and smog repairs for your car this Saturday

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Valley CAN are sponsoring another FREE emissions test for your vehicle this Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 8 a.m. to noon.

In addition to the free test for everyone, owners of the first 525 vehicles that qualify will receive a $500 voucher good toward repairs at a local participating STAR smog shop if your vehicle fails the test.

The event will be held at the Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South "P" Street, Bakersfield. CA 93307 at the South "P" Street parking lot.

For more info: Free Smog Repairs

Bakersfield and San Joaquin Valley win again - worst air in the nation

The American Lung Association released its Annual State of the Air 2017 report today and once again, Bakersfield and other cities in the San Joaquin Valley share the dubious "honor" of having the worst air in the country.

The report found that although continued improvement in air quality across the nation has occurred, nearly four in ten Americans - roughly 125 million - live in counties where ozone or particle pollution in the air is at unhealthy levels. The consequences of this are increased risks of developing lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, premature death, and developmental and reproductive harm.

Photo credit: California EPA

Bakersfield, in particular, has particularly nasty air, earning the distinction of having the number one worst short-term particle pollution (24-hour PM2.5) and the second worst ozone and long-term particle pollution (annual PM2.5).

The report demonstrates that in much of the country, the Clean Air Act has successfully reduced air pollution over the last 50 years. However, as noted by Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association, the report "...adds to the evidence that the ongoing changes in our climate make it harder to protect human health. As we move into an ever warmer climate, cleaning up these pollutants will become ever more challenging, highlighting the critical importance of protecting the Clean Air Act."

The Full report may be accessed here: Annual State of the Air 2017

The summary of the most polluted cities may be seen below:

Top 10 U.S. Cities Most Polluted by Short-Term Particle Pollution (24-hour PM2.5):

• Bakersfield, Calif.
• Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, Calif.
• Fresno-Madera, Calif.
• Modesto-Merced, Calif.
• Fairbanks, Ala.
• San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, Calif.
• Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, Utah
• Logan, Utah-Idaho
• Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif.
• Reno-Carson City-Fernley, Nev.

Top 10 U.S. Cities Most Polluted by Year-Round Particle Pollution (Annual PM2.5):

• Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, Calif.
• Bakersfield, Calif.
• Fresno-Madera, Calif.
• San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, Calif.
• Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif.
• Modesto-Merced, Calif.
• El Centro, Calif.
• Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, Pa.-Ohio-W.Va.
• Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Ohio
• San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, Calif.

Top 10 Most Ozone-Polluted Cities:

• Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif.
• Bakersfield, Calif.
• Fresno-Madera, Calif.
• Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, Calif.
• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz.
• Modesto-Merced, Calif.
• San Diego-Carlsbad, Calif.
• Sacramento-Roseville, Calif.
• New York-Newark, N.Y.–N.J.-Conn.-Pa.
• Las Vegas-Henderson, Nev.-Ariz.

The economy - what happens if environmental regulations are repealed?

http://www.examiner.com/environmental-news-in-bakersfield/the-economy-what-happens-if-environmental-regulations-are-repealed

Photo© F. Maccioli

Lots of people are calling for the repeal of environmental regulations because of the bad economy. But what would happen if we did that? Read my article at the attached link for some possibilities.

APCD looking for new Hearing Board members

The APCD is looking for Hearing Board members. For more info, click on my article at the link below:

APCD looking for new Hearing Board members