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.

National News: President Obama directs more funding for biofuels research, jobs
May 8, 2009 – The Obama administration recently announced $1.8 million to help get automakers to build more cars that run on ethanol. The new policy coincides with EPA’s proposed new rule for a Renewable Fuel Standard to ensure only biofuels with net environmental benefits over fossil fuels count towards the nation’s 2022 renewable fuels target. Recent News Coverage

National News: Biomass converted into electricity could be more efficient than ethanol
May 8, 2009 – A study published in Science says using plants to produce electricity rather than ethanol results in more energy from the same amount of land. Researchers found electric vehicles using biomass converted into electricity traveled 81% farther per acre of cropland than internal combustion vehicles fueled by cellulosic ethanol. Recent News Coverage

AQMD News: AQMD, CEC to hold public meeting on proposed Canyon power plant in Orange County
May 8, 2009 – The California Energy Commission recently released its preliminary assessment of a proposed 200-megawatt power plant in Anaheim. A joint public meeting will be held on May 21 beginning at 1 p.m. to hear public comment on the proposed project. More (PDF, 37k)

State News: Santa Barbara fires not affecting air quality in South Coast Air Basin
May 7, 2009 – About 100 miles to the north of Los Angeles, the Jesusita Fire is burning in Santa Barbara but it is not affecting air quality in the South Coast Air Basin. Due to smoke and winds stirring soot particles from burned areas into the air, the quality of air in Santa Barbara County is poor. More

National News: Tentative deal reached in a Cash for Clunkers program
May 7, 2009 – U.S. consumers may get billions of dollars to trade in their old cars and trucks if a Cash for Clunkers (PDF, 33.97k) bill is passed. The measure provides incentives for motorists to trade in older, dirtier and less-fuel-efficient vehicles for newer models. The plan is included in a broader energy bill still being considered.
More | Recent News Coverage

International News: China’s construction frenzy lacks eco-friendly features
May 7, 2009 – Asia is a region with the world’s busiest construction sector yet it holds the poorest record for designing environmentally-friendly buildings. According to a report by the Asia Business Council, 80% of the buildings in China consume two to three times more energy per unit of floor-space than buildings in developed countries. More

National News: Five “green collar” jobs for the future
May 6, 2009 – If you add “green” to your existing specialization or are considering getting additional training in green technology, you might be in line for a bright future. Here are five careers to keep an eye on: environmental engineers, environmental scientists, green construction workers, insulation workers and green-friendly interior designers.
Recent News Coverage

State News: Plug-in hybrids an effective tool to combat global warming in California
May 6, 2009 – Recent studies suggest plug-in hybrids can lower greenhouse gas emissions if you live in
a state that does not rely on coal power. One UC Berkeley study shows these cars can decrease emissions by more than 60% in comparison to conventional cars and by nearly 50% when compared to traditional hybrids. More

State News: New law could require smog checks for motorcycles by 2012
May 5, 2009 – A newly introduced bill (PDF, 144.34k) would make it mandatory that motorcycles manufactured in the 2000 model year and later get biennial smog checks. The bill targets bikes with illegally modified exhaust systems. The ARB estimates that 5.2 tons of pollutants would be prevented from entering the atmosphere daily. More | Recent News Coverage

National News: Study says obese children are more susceptible to air pollution
May 5, 2009 – The study, which looked at 611 children, will be presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference. Lead researcher Heike Luttmann-Gibson, of the Harvard School of Public Health, found that associations between air pollution and lung function were two to five times stronger for obese children than for normal-weight children. More

National News: Solar technology may one day be found on car sunroofs
May 5, 2009 – Researchers (PDF,197.93k) are looking at ways to develop photovoltaic cells for use on unconventional items, like car sunroofs. The new technology prints ultrathin, semitransparent and flexible cells on plastic, cloth and other materials. If it succeeds, cells may be stamped onto fabric for T-shirts or other clothes that collect energy while worn. Recent News Coverage

AQMD News: Agency seeks to enhance its ability to identify nuisance odors
 May 1, 2009 – The AQMD’s Governing Board has approved a contract with a UCLA team of olfactory experts for a pilot program expected to improve the agency’s ability to identify odor sources and potential mitigating factors in resolving odor complaints. More

AQMD News: Governing Board approves funding for  new heavy-duty diesel technology
May 1, 2009 – The AQMD and the U.S. EPA are funding a project to develop and demonstrate selective catalytic regenerating technology on heavy-duty diesel trucks to reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions.  The technology will be demonstrated on approximately 43 trucks, model years 1999 through 2002, from at least four fleets in the Southland. More

AQMD News: Agency is accepting nominations for the 21st annual Clean Air Awards
April 23, 2009 – Preparations for the 2009 event to be held in October are underway. The AQMD is looking for worthy individuals, businesses large and small, cities and community groups who have made a significant contribution to cleaner air through innovation, leadership and personal environmental commitment. You can even nominate yourself!  More  (PDF, 3.29m)

AQMD News: Agency offering information on federal stimulus funding opportunities
April 3, 2009 – To get more information about the stimulus package and how our region can maximize opportunities to get its fair share of funds, call (909) 396-3333 or email  recovery@aqmd.gov. Archived copies of presentations from AQMD’s workshop on the stimulus package are also available. More

Cool Globes Art Exhibit in LA’s Exposition Park – April 22 to July 23
The new public art exhibit displays 60 artistically crafted fiberglass globes, each one 5 ft. in diameter and 6½ ft. tall, to convey a message about what ordinary citizens can do to combat global warming. More

Experience the “Green Long Beach” Festival – May 9
Over 270 community groups, individuals and businesses will take part in the festival to be held in the East Village Arts District. More

Waste-to-Fuels Conference and Trade Show in San Diego – May 17 to 19 The event will provide a forum for informing the public and businesses of the economic and environmental benefits of converting waste materials to alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol as well as energy recovery. More