AQMD - 5/28/26

The May 28, 2026, meeting of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) focused on fiscal approvals, community-led emission reduction plans, legislative advocacy regarding state budget deficits, and a landmark report on regional air quality.   Fiscal and Administrative Actions   The Board approved the FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget and Fee Schedule, which includes $49.6 million in revenues and $56.1 million in expenditures. A 2.72% fee schedule adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was adopted, effective July 1, 2026. Despite a projected $6.5 million use of fund balance—primarily from restricted revenue funds—the District maintains healthy reserves well above the required minimum.   South Sacramento Florin Community Emission Reduction Program (CERP) A major milestone was the adoption of the South Sacramento Florin CERP, marking the conclusion of a seven-year community-led development process.

• Community Impact: Steering Committee Co-lead Tito Hong highlighted the generational significance of the plan, noting that it moved from monitoring to actionable strategies to protect local children from air pollution.
• Next Steps: A celebration is scheduled for June 22, 2026, with the plan moving to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for final action in July. A five-year implementation phase will follow, focusing on top-priority strategies such as community outreach and tree planting.

Legislative and State Budget Concerns Representatives from ARC Strategies provided a briefing on the "mad house" of the state capital during budget negotiations.

• Budget Deficits: While a one-time $16.5 billion surge in revenue from "the artificial intelligence bubble" occurred, the state faces a long-term structural deficit that could reach $100 billion in the out years.
• Funding in Peril: Funding for AB 617 programs and the cap-and-invest program is currently in peril. Changes to program regulations could potentially zero out tier-three funding, which supports local air quality efforts.
• Opposition to SB 1075: SMAQMD is actively opposing SB 1075, arguing it would divert local resources and shift control of community emission reduction plans from local districts to CARB.

Air Quality Trends and Clean Technology Air Pollution Control Officer (APCO) Alberto Ayala delivered a historic update on regional air quality:

• 25-Year Clean Air Milestone: Certified data from 2025 indicates that air in the Sacramento region is the cleanest it has been in the last 25 years for both ozone and particle pollution (PM 2.5). This improvement has occurred despite significant population and vehicle growth since 2000.
• Hydrogen Innovation: The District is promoting hydrogen internal combustion engine technology from Europe as a "sensible tool" for reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions without the high costs of full electrification.
• ACT Expo Insights: Board members reflected on the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, noting emerging trends like autonomous big rigs and shifting dynamics in the hydrogen technology market.

Policy Debate: Electrification vs. Attainment   The meeting included a philosophical discussion regarding whether SMAQMD should follow the Bay Area’s lead in mandating the electrification of appliances like water heaters. APCO Ayala cautioned against "super aggressive" rules, arguing that since the region is making steady progress toward federal air quality attainment, imposing the high costs of mandated electrification on residents may not currently be necessary or sensible.