Community Air Protection Program

What is the Community Air Protection Program?

Assembly Bill (AB) 617, signed into law in July 2017, directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB), in conjunction with local air districts, to establish the Community Air Protection Program.  AB 617 provides a new community-focused action framework to improve air quality and reduce exposure to criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants in the communities most impacted by air pollution.

The Community Air Protection Incentives are part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.

What Does This Mean for Siskiyou County?

The Siskiyou County Air Pollution Control District was awarded $7,446.00 in 2018 to fund emission reduction projects within such a community. 

In 2019, $16,994.00 in FY2018-19 funds were awarded to the District and an additional $120,420.14 to select projects eligible under the Carl Moyer Program 2017 Guidelines and Community Air Protection Fund Guidelines. The District prioritizes those disadvantaged communities most impacted by air pollution to fund emissions reduction projects.

How Can the Community Provide Input?

Community members can provide input to James E. Smith, Air Pollution Control Officer by email or to Dian Collier, Department Fiscal Officer, or by phoning 530-841-4111.

In addition to the funding opportunities mentioned above, current and future funds may become available for projects that meet the goals of AB 617 including, but not limited to: public outreach, air monitoring, and air quality improvement projects.

Projects

The Community Air Protection Program was approved in August 2018 at Regular Meeting of the District’s Governing Board. The following projects are/were funded:

• In May 2020, the Siskiyou County Air Pollution Control District approved a school bus replacement project with the Happy Camp Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees.  This was a School Transportation Project in a Low Income Community, Happy Camp, California.  The project was partially funded by CAP Funds of $174,336.31.  The project was completed and bus received.