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AQMD is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the smoggiest region of the U.S. We are committed to protecting the health of residents, while remaining sensitive to businesses.

 

AQMD News
AQMD to host town hall community meeting in Boyle Heights
March 11, 2010 – AQMD will host a town hall meeting, in conjunction with Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, Senator Gilbert Cedillo and Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar, to provide information on local air quality and hear from community members about their air quality concerns. AQMD staff will also provide air quality information on Exide Technologies, a lead-acid battery recovery/recycling facility in Vernon. The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m., at Resurrection Elementary School at 3360 East Opal Street in Los Angeles. More
Rolling Hills Estates councilwoman joins AQMD Board
March 5, 2010 – Rolling Hills Estates councilwoman Judy Mitchell has been sworn in as the newest member of the AQMD Board. She will represent the 51 western cities of Los Angeles County on the Governing Board. Mitchell will serve a four-year term on the Board, ending Jan. 15, 2014. More
AQMD releases draft rules to ensure air pollution reductions at ports
March 5, 2010 – During a special meeting in Long Beach, AQMD released for public comment draft rules designed to ensure that the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach reduce their fair share of emission reductions necessary for the region to achieve federal health-based standards, as well as reduce their health risk due to diesel particulate. Draft Rules (PDF, 32 KB) | Fact Sheet (PDF, 31KB)
AQMD launches innovative smart-phone application
March 5, 2010 - The free application, designed for the iPhone™, iPad, and iPod Touch®, features real-time and forecasted air quality levels for user-selected areas; a user-friendly carbon footprint calculator, an interactive map of alternative fuel filling stations, air quality news and other features that can provide immediate access to materials that promote healthy living. More | Video
AQMD establishes six-month “Permit Application Penalty Holiday”
February 11, 2010 – AQMD’s new ‘Permit Application Penalty Holiday’ is designed to provide businesses a temporary opportunity to obtain all needed air quality permits without incurring late fees or violations if they take the necessary steps to bring their business into compliance. The program began February 5 and will continue through August 4, 2010.
Rule 310 (PDF, 16 KB) | Staff Contacts | Fact Sheet (PDF, 12 KB)
AQMD approves 2010 Lawn Mower Exchange Program
February 5, 2010 Residents once again can get a deep discount on a new, zero-emission, battery electric lawnmower by trading in their old gasoline model in AQMD’s Lawn Mower Exchange Program. This year, 9,380 zero-emission mowers will be available for exchange at events throughout the Southland. Online registration opens April 21 at 8 a.m. at www.aqmd.gov

AQMD addresses “State of the Air” in new video
January 8, 2010 AQMD looks back on significant accomplishments in 2009 and upcoming challenges in 2010 in a new video titled “State of the Air,” which features interviews with all 13 AQMD Board Members. The video highlights areas important to clean air goals and encourages everyone to make individual choices that will help reduce air pollution. View video

 

Air Quality Headlines

National News: Tougher soot standards recommended by EPA scientists
March 12, 2010 – The latest science supports tightening the federal air quality standards for fine particulates, or soot, according to a draft report (PDF 1.92 MB) by U.S. EPA scientists. EPA tightened the 24-hour standard for fine particulates in 2006, but retained the annual standard. The report comes after a federal appeals court sent the annual standard back to EPA for review. More
National News: Emissions fall nationwide for six air pollutants, report shows
March 11, 2010 – Air trends recently released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that emissions of ground-level ozone, particulates, lead, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide have declined since 1990. The EPA attributes control programs for mobile sources and facilities such as dry cleaners and incinerators for most of the reductions. More
State News: Now may be the best time to consider replacing that old refrigerator
March 11, 2010 – Starting on Earth Day, April 22, consumers can take advantage of $35.2 million in federal stimulus rebates when they replace a less-efficient refrigerator, clothes washer, or room air conditioner with a more energy-efficient model. California residents can get $200 for an eligible refrigerator, $100 for an efficient clothes washer, and $50 for a certified room air conditioner. More
State News: State air board to begin regulating most potent greenhouse gas
March 10, 2010 Beginning in 2011, the California Air Resources Board will regulate the greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride, or SF6, at electric utilities. SF6, used in small amounts in high voltage transmission systems, is estimated to have 23,900 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Utilities will be required to reduce their SF6 emissions by 70 percent by 2020. More
International News: Tiny nanotubes could be energy powerhouses
March 10, 2010 Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have discovered that tiny nanotubes covered with chemical fuel can produce an electrical current as they burn, providing up to 100 times more power by weight than a conventional battery. One benefit is that the nanotubes do not lose stored energy over time. More
National News: EPA report shows greenhouse gas emissions fell in 2008
March 9, 2010Greenhouse gas emissions fell 2.9 percent nationwide in 2008, according to the 2010 draft U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The report attributes the decrease to a decline in CO2 emissions from lower energy consumption due to record-high oil prices and the economic recession. More
International News: A new plastic that just keeps on giving
March 9, 2010Researchers at I.B.M. and Stanford University have discovered that by using organic catalysts instead of metal catalysts to make polymer for plastics, a more environmentally friendly plastic can be created. The new “green” plastic would be less toxic, less expensive and biodegradable, allowing for numerous recycling possibilities. More
Regional News: LAUSD continues efforts to reduce environmental impact
March 9, 2010Continuing its efforts to be one the greenest school districts in the country, the Los Angeles Unified School District this month will replace hundreds of older diesel school buses with less-polluting models. AQMD helped fund the school bus replacements. In addition, eight schools out of 250 planned will get solar photovoltaic panels to help save on energy costs. More

 

Local Clean Air Events
LA Street Summit 2010: Biking, Walking and Beyond – March 20, 2010
The Urban and Environmental Policy Institute will host an educational day on pedestrian-friendly streets, healthy livable communities and more at its LA Street Summit 2010: Biking Walking and Beyond. The event will be held on Saturday, March 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at L.A. Trade Tech College, 400 W. Washington Blvd. in Los Angeles. The event is free, and those who pre-register by March 15 will receive a free lunch at the event. More

Brain Tumors and Air Pollution Studies seminar -- March 31, 2010
Come hear renowned brain surgeon Dr. Keith L. Black of Cedars-Sinai and his colleague Dr. Julia Y. Ljubimova as they discuss how air pollution may affect the brain and what you can potentially do to protect yourself and your children. Sponsored by San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales, First 5 San Bernardino and the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, the seminar will be held on Wednesday, March 31 at 11:45 a.m. at the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center at 400 N. Pepper Avenue in Colton. The seminar is free but reservations are required by March 22. To RSVP, call 909-386-7706. More
(PDF, 972 KB)

 

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