Background
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 communities most impacted by air pollution. The bill recognizes that while California has seen tremendous improvement in air quality, some communities still suffer greater impacts than others. It is these communities that require special attention and accelerated action. AB 617 builds on the foundation of existing programs, providing additional tools to target actions in communities that bear the greatest burdens.
To implement AB 617, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has established the Community Air Protection Program (Program). The legislation sets out an ambitious implementation schedule, and CARB must set the overall direction of the Program by October 1, 2018. This includes identifying impacted communities, establishing the criteria for air monitoring and local emissions reduction programs, and developing statewide strategies for reducing emissions. The local air districts also have specific roles and responsibilities and successful implementation will require strong collaboration between CARB and the air districts, as well as with local communities.
Specifically the legislation sets out a framework that includes:
- Community-level air quality monitoring
- A state strategy and community emissions reduction programs
- An expedited schedule for the installation of the cleanest controls on industrial facilities
- Enhanced requirements for the reporting of emissions data
- Increased penalty provisions for polluters
- Grants to local community groups to support active engagement in developing solutions for their communities
If you need this document in an alternate format (i.e. Braille, large print) or another language, please contact Melissa Niederreiter, 916-323-6576. TTY/TDD/Speech to Speech users may dial 711 for the California Relay Service.
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