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

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and four others receive prestigious air quality award

The California Air Resources Board on Thursday awarded five individuals a special 50th Anniversary edition of the Haagen-Smit Legacy Award for outstanding contributions to improving air quality.

Photo Credit: California Air Resources Board

The five honorees included former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his work in addressing climate change.


Previously known as the Haagen-Smit Clean Air Award, it was renamed as the Haagen-Smith Legacy Award in honor of its 50th Anniversary. The annual award is considered by many to be the Nobel Prize for air quality and climate change achievements.

“Our honorees span the past 50 years of progress toward clean air. Each played a leading role in this struggle for clean air and a healthy economy,” CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols said. “Individually our honorees have conducted ground-breaking research or shaped pioneering clean-air policies. Together, these five remarkable individuals are being recognized for their leadership, courage, and innovation. Californians owe them a debt of gratitude for their contribution to improved public health in California, across our nation, and throughout the world."
In addition to Schwarzenegger, others honored included:

• David G. Hawkings, Director, Natural Resources Defense Council’s Climate Center

• Henry Waxman, Former U.S. Congressman and current Chairman, Waxman Strategies

• Mario Molina, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego

• Gina McCarthy, Professor of the Practice of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Director, Harvard’s Center for Health and the Global Environment

For more details, including a summary of each honoree's achievements, click on the following link:

2017 Haagen-Smit Legacy Awards

APCD issues wood burning ban for Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) has issued a midnight to midnight ban of wood burning devices, including fireplaces and open fire pits, due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter in the atmosphere and a strong inversion layer.

The ban applies to four counties: Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and the SJV Air Basin portion of Kern.

For more info: Check Before You Burn

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