CARB approves first 5-year strategy update for its equity-driven Community Air Protection Program
CARB approves first 5-year strategy update for its equity-driven ... California Air Resources Board
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SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) Approves Blueprint 2.0 for Community Air Protection Program
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved the first five-year update to the statewide strategy for the Community Air Protection Program (CAPP). This innovative effort aims to improve air quality at the local scale in collaboration with residents.
Blueprint 2.0
The updated strategy, known as Blueprint 2.0, introduces three new tools to the program:
- Community air grants to support local emissions-reduction plans
- Flexibility in the use of incentives funds to meet community goals
- Community-focused enforcement
CAPP involves residents from disadvantaged communities in the decision-making process alongside local air district staff. This collaboration takes place through “Community Steering Committees,” where committee members identify pollution sources and challenges related to air quality. They work together to find solutions that address the community’s concerns about local air pollution.
Blueprint 2.0 reinforces CARB and air districts’ commitment to reducing air pollution in the 19 communities currently in the program. It also creates new pathways to support over 60 communities that have consistently been nominated for the program.
CARB Chair Liane Randolph stated, “Blueprint 2.0 is an example of equity-driven innovation that puts a spotlight on the environmental challenges faced by overburdened communities. It engages residents so that solutions are informed by their priorities and needs. With today’s vote, we expanded the tools available to residents to work towards cleaner air and healthier communities.”
Impact of the Community Air Protection Program
Since its launch in 2018, the Community Air Protection Program has led to various actions, including:
- Replacing dirty diesel engines
- Installing zero-emission infrastructure
- Expanding the use of air filters in sensitive locations
- Implementing land-use related projects
These actions have resulted in significant emissions reductions. Statewide, the program has contributed to the reduction of 17,100 tons of nitric oxide (NOx), 1,390 tons of Reactive Organic Gases, and 790 tons of particulate matter since 2018. Over a third of these reductions have occurred in selected communities, representing close to 4 million Californians or 10% of the state’s population.
Selected Community Action Efforts
The approved plans developed by communities and approved by CARB’s Board include hundreds of actions. Some examples are:
- Portside Environmental Justice Communities: San Diego’s Portside communities prioritized reducing emissions from pollution sources related to the port. As a result, the Port of San Diego and the Air District introduced the nation’s first all-electric tugboat and a pair of all-electric mobile harbor cranes.
- Wilmington/Carson/West Long Beach: These communities prioritized addressing emissions from oil and gas wells. The South Coast Air Quality Management District conducted inspections and issued notices of violation.
- Los Angeles: Signs were posted to inform truck drivers in communities near the port and industrial areas that idling was prohibited.
- El Centro-Heber-Calexico Corridor: Actions in this corridor include providing new air filters in schools, school bus electrification, and road paving projects.
- San Joaquin Valley: Selected communities in the San Joaquin Valley conducted truck-route studies to identify alternative routes for heavy-duty trucks.
- West Oakland: Efforts in West Oakland focused on achieving a zero-emission port, reducing car trips and road dust, and cleaning up local industry. Actions included replacing locomotives with cleaner alternatives and introducing electric buses.
CAPP incentives have been used by air districts to reduce emissions. In the first year of the program, CARB directed that at least 70% of funds be spent in disadvantaged communities and 80% in low-income communities statewide. Air districts have exceeded this requirement, with 94% of Community Air Protection incentives spent in disadvantaged and low-income communities across the state. Approximately 40% of these funds were spent in communities identified for the program. An interactive dashboard is available to track the use of CAPP incentives throughout the state.
In April 2024, CARB will finalize proposed changes to increase flexibility for air districts in the use of CAPP incentives. This will allow them to replicate successful projects developed by selected communities in any disadvantaged and low-income community across the state.
Related Community Action Efforts
CARB is committed to reducing the disproportionate impacts of air pollution in disadvantaged communities. Recent actions include:
- CARB has awarded over $4 million in supplemental environmental projects in communities included in the Community Air Protection Program.
- CARB released a Request for Information in September to support the Statewide Mobile Monitoring Initiative, which aims to support communities consistently nominated for the program.
More Information
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses the efforts to improve air quality, which directly impacts the health and well-being of communities.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the Community Air Protection Program’s focus on reducing air pollution in specific communities, contributing to the goal of creating sustainable and inclusive cities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The reduction of emissions and implementation of cleaner alternatives mentioned in the article align with the objective of combating climate change.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The inclusion of residents in decision-making processes and the establishment of community steering committees promote inclusive and participatory governance.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. The efforts to improve air quality and reduce emissions contribute to this target.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. The focus on reducing air pollution in specific communities aligns with this target.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. The implementation of cleaner alternatives and reduction of emissions mentioned in the article contribute to this target.
- SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels. The inclusion of residents in decision-making processes through community steering committees supports this target.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Reduction in emissions of nitric oxide (NOx), Reactive Organic Gases, and particulate matter: The article mentions that the Community Air Protection Program has contributed significant emissions reductions, including 17,100 tons of NOx, 1,390 tons of Reactive Organic Gases, and 790 tons of particulate matter. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards SDG 3.9 and SDG 11.6.
- Percentage of funds spent in disadvantaged and low-income communities: The article states that air districts have significantly exceeded the requirement of spending at least 70% of funds in disadvantaged communities and 80% in low-income communities statewide. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards SDG 11.6.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Reduction in emissions of nitric oxide (NOx), Reactive Organic Gases, and particulate matter |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Reduction in emissions of nitric oxide (NOx), Reactive Organic Gases, and particulate matter – Percentage of funds spent in disadvantaged and low-income communities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Reduction in emissions of nitric oxide (NOx), Reactive Organic Gases, and particulate matter |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels. | – Percentage of funds spent in disadvantaged and low-income communities |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ww2.arb.ca.gov
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