Learn about Assembly Bill 617 – Community Air Protection Program
Signed by Governor Brown in 2017, Assembly Bill (AB) 617 was authored by Assembly Member Cristina Garcia to address the disproportionate impacts of air pollution in environmental justice communities. In response to this bill, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) established the Community Air Protection Program (CAPP) to reduce pollution exposure in communities based on environmental, health and socio-economic information, essentially prioritizing air quality improvements in these communities by enhancing air monitoring, providing cleaner technologies, and engaging the community.
AB 617 has key elements, such as adding and accelerating requirements for Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BARCT) for industrial sources, increasing penalty fees, and greater transparency and availability of air quality data. The Air District is partnering with local, statewide and federal agencies to enhance air quality monitoring while bringing together local communities through outreach and education, as all residents have the right to breathe clean air.
For more information about AB 617.
For more information on CARB’s Community Air Protection Program (CAPP).
Air District’s Efforts
BARCT for Industrial Sources: AB 617 requires each air district in a non-attainment area for one or more air pollutants to adopt an expedited schedule for implementation of Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BARCT) for industrial sources. Please click here for more information.
Community Air Sensor Program: The Air District recently launched this program that installs low-cost sensors in under-served and rural communities throughout the District. Please click here for more information.
