What is AB617?
Assembly Bill 617 (AB 617) requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and air districts to develop and implement additional emissions reporting, monitoring, reduction plans and measures in an effort to reduce air pollution exposure in disadvantaged communities. Given that 20 of the 30 most disadvantaged communities in California are in the San Joaquin Valley, this process is expected to bring additional clean air resources and strategies to many Valley communities.
The District actively participates with and is facilitating full engagement of all sectors within each of the San Joaquin Valley’s disadvantaged communities through meaningful and effective implementation of AB 617. The following webpages provide a wealth of information regarding this process and ways all Valley residents can get involved.
South Central Fresno and the City of Shafter are the first Valley communities selected by the California Air Resources Board for investment of additional resources under AB 617. The Valley Air District has established a steering committee for each of these communities, consisting of community residents, businesses, community advocates, and government representatives, to assist in the development and implementation of community air monitoring and emission reduction programs.
The Valley Air District welcomes and encourages your participation and input in this collaborative community-based effort. Learn more about AB 617 implementation by selecting a community below!
Implementation of Assembly Bill 617 in the San Joaquin Valley
District staff are working closely with community residents, community businesses, and other key stakeholders to reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants in selected communities. Through the implementation of this legislation, the District with input from the community will be deploying additional community-specific air quality monitoring to better understand the impacts of local sources of pollution and developing community-specific emission reduction programs. This collaborative, community-based effort will employ both proven and innovative strategies to improve community health by reducing exposure to toxic air pollutants and fine particulate matter.
