Seasons are changing in the District with more changes expected in 2023.

The leaves are changing color and cooler temperatures have finally arrived. As we enter the holiday season and prepare for the end of the year, the District continues to work to protect human health and property from the harmful effects of air pollution.

In this edition of Air Aware:

Ag Chipping Program and Survey
Community Air Protection Incentives Program
Woodsmoke Reduction Program Currently Accepting Applications
Don't Light Tonight Program Resumes
Spare The Air Season Ends
Clean Air Funds Grant Project Highlight - YoloCommute E-Bike Loan Program
New Staff at the District
Looking Ahead to 2023

Upcoming Holiday Closures: District offices will be closed beginning at noon December 23rd and will reopen January 3rd, 2023. District staff will be available to monitor air quality conditions and keep the public informed of any necessary air quality news and alerts during the closure. The District’s website, www.ysaqmd.gov, and social media accounts @YoloSolanoAir will publish alerts and/or advisories for the public as needed.

Agricultural Chipping Program

The District received funding from the 2021 EPA Targeted Airshed Grant (TAG) to launch a pilot Agricultural Chipping Program as an alternative to open burning. Complete the survey below to join the interest list and provide data on future ag chipping needs. District staff will be using this information to reach out when the program opens and to apply for additional funding to develop a more robust program. Learn more.

Ag Chipping Interest Survey

Community Air Protection

(CAP) Incentives Program

The CAP Incentives Program will begin in early spring of 2023. The CAP Incentives program provides funding for clean air programs and projects in communities that are most impacted by air pollution. Through the CAP Incentives program, the District will work closely with impacted communities in Yolo and Solano County to create a community-focused action framework to address emission impacts, respond to air quality concerns, and improve air quality by reducing exposure to harmful pollutants and air contaminants. We are asking for community feedback to help identify concerns in your area through the survey below. The survey can be completed online below or by fillable PDF at this link: paper survey.

Community Air Protection Program Survey

'Don't Light Tonight' (DLT) Program Resumes

This annual program runs from November 1 through the end of February each year. The DLT program asks residents to refrain from wood burning on days that typical winter weather conditions contribute to an increase in particle pollution (PM2.5) closer to ground level. Learn more about the DLT program.

Residents can check the DLT status by:

Calling the automated line at (530) 757-3787, this line is updated by noon.
Visiting the District website: www.ysaqmd.org.
Following YoloSolanoAir on Facebook and Twitter.
Registering for automatic Enviroflash alerts (emails or text)on our website.

The Woodsmoke Reduction Program

is Open and Accepting Applications

With funding from the 2020 EPA TAG Program, the District is offering a voucher program for the replacement of older non-EPA certified woodstoves or open-hearth fireplaces.

To qualify, residents must reside within the District and the Sacramento Federal PM2.5 Nonattainment Area.

Check your address here on the nonattainment area map. Vouchers are available in $1000 and $3500 amounts depending on income. LEARN MORE AND APPLY.

2022 'SPARE THE AIR' Season Ends with

6 Regional Alerts Issued

The Spare The Air (STA) program is a Sacramento regionwide driving reduction campaign with the goal of improving air quality. STA begins in May each year and continues throughout the summer months ending on October 31st. Six regional STA alerts were issued during the 2022 season, with two in August and four during the month of September. Learn more about the regional program by visiting the Spare The Air website.

YoloCommute Launches E-Bike Loan Program for Member Agencies

YoloCommute was one of 10 Clean Air Funds (CAF) Program (FY22/23) recipients. Funds awarded through the CAF program along with supplemental funding from YoloCommute, helped purchase 3 electric cargo bikes. These bikes are available on a 3-month loan to YoloCommute member agencies. The bikes can be used by employees to travel to and from meetings, to "check-out" for commuting to work by bike, and to familiarize employees with e-bikes and biking options. Learn more about the program or sign up to participate. (photo of Cal State Teacher's Retirement System celebrating the arrival of 2 bikes.)

YSAQMD Welcomes New Staff

Shawnte Bice started working at the District in the Administrative Division in late August to fill the position of Accounting Technician. She will be overseeing several accounting duties for the District, including Incentive and Grant Program account tracking. Prior to joining the District Shawnte served the citizens of Colusa County for 16 years as an Accounting Technician in the Treasurer/Tax Collector's office.

Erin Johnson joined the District in October as an Air Quality Technician. She recently graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Atmospheric Science and a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Erin will be working with the Ag Burn Program, inspecting ag engines, handling engine registrations, and assisting with Permits to Operate and Authority to Construct permits.

Looking Ahead to 2023

This year has been a year of change for the District. While late APCO Mat Ehrhardt's leadership of the District and commitment to improving air quality cannot be replaced, District staff are looking forward to continuing his legacy as we enter a new year. Here is what we are looking forward to in 2023.

Newly Elected Board Members
Release of the 2022 YSAQMD Annual Report
Appointment of a new Air Pollution Control Officer (APCO)
Launch of several new Incentive Programs: Agricultural Chipping Program, Community Air Protection (CAP) Incentives Program, Low-Dust Harvester Replacement Program, Zero-Emission Commercial Lawn and Garden Program
Carl Moyer and FARMER Incentive Programs FY 23/24 (Spring)
Clean Air Funds Grant Program for FY 23/24 (Spring)