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In this edition of Air Aware:
- Message from the APCO
- Preparing for Wildfire Season
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New Incentive Programs-Commercial Lawn and Garden Program & Low-Dust Harvester Replacement Program
- Community Air Protection (CAP) Incentives Program
- 2023 Clean Air Funds Grant Program Awardees
- Clean Air Art Contest Winners
- 'Spare The Air' Season
- Announcing New YSAQMD Staff
- Looking Ahead to the Fall
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As we welcome summer and, along with it, wildfire season, this edition of Air Aware includes links to sign-up for air quality information (EnviroFlash), countywide emergency alerts (Yolo Alert and Alert Solano), and state and federal educational resources. In the event of a fire or smoke impact in our District, our staff monitors the incident and air quality to provide the most up-to-date information to protect the health of our residents. | |
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A Message from Gretchen Bennitt, Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer
Since joining the Air District in April, I have enjoyed meeting with the District’s Board of Directors and engaging with our partners to familiarize myself with the needs of the District’s residents and businesses. I believe that by collaborating with our stakeholders, advocating for the needs of our businesses and residents, and leveraging innovative technologies, we can pave the way toward cleaner and healthier air for present and future generations. I look forward to working with our partner agencies and continuing to improve our air quality across the District and the region.
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Preparing for Wildfire Season | |
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The amount of smoke that impacts the District during a wildfire depends on several variables; the location, duration of the fire, and weather conditions. During these events, District staff monitors winds, air mixing heights, and smoke dispersion rates to identify air quality impacts and provide residents and businesses with air quality and smoke-related health information. The District also shares incident and safety information from partner agencies: State and County Offices of Emergency Services, Fire and Police Departments, and Public Health agencies.
Residents and businesses can find tips on preparing for wildfire season and what to do during a wildfire/smoke event on the District website (www.ysaqmd.org/wildfire), Facebook and Twitter (YoloSolanoAir), Nextdoor (Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District), and EnviroFlash.
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Commercial Lawn and Garden Program - Opening Soon
With $700,000 in funding from the Carl Moyer State Reserve (Year 24) Program, the District is launching this new Program to replace commercial-grade gas-powered lawn and garden equipment with a commercial-grade, battery-operated electric version. Eligible equipment and maximum voucher amounts are provided in the chart below. The total funding per entity is $40,000 for each program year.
Visit ysaqmd.org/incentives/commercial-lawn-and-garden to sign up to be notified when the program opens.
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Low-Dust Harvester Replacement Program
This new incentive program has $357,000 available through the US EPA Target Airshed Grant Program and provides financial incentives for purchasing new low-dust harvesting equipment.
The goal of the program is to reduce particulate matter (PM) emitted within the District and the Sacramento Federal PM2.5 Nonattainment Area. Learn more about the program and apply at https://www.ysaqmd.org/incentives/low-dust-harvester-replacement-program/.
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Community Air Protection (CAP) Incentives Program
We need your input! Tell us what you feel are the top air quality concerns and priority projects for your community. Visit the CAP Incentives webpage to complete the survey.
About the CAP Incentives Program: Assembly Bill 617 was passed in July 2017 to reduce exposure in communities most impacted by air pollution. To support this work, the state Legislature dedicated funding for the CAP Incentives Program, allowing districts to work with identified disadvantaged and low-income communities to provide incentive funding and conduct outreach efforts. The CAP Incentive Program's goal is to identify and implement projects that will have an immediate impact and improve air quality within these communities.
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$517,725 in Funding Awarded for 2023 Clean Air Funds (CAF) Grant Program
The District is excited to announce 12 projects were awarded funding at the June 14 meeting of the YSAQMD Board of Directors. This year's CAF solicitation received a variety of applications for projects ranging from emerging technology for electric vehicle charging stations to bike lease programs and community education initiatives. Read the press release announcing the 2023 CAF projects, visit the CAF webpage to learn more about the program and sign-up to be notified when the next application period opens.
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Spare The Air (STA) Program runs through October 31st
The Sacramento Region Air Districts combine efforts each summer for the Spare The Air program. This ozone reduction program encourages residents and businesses to reduce vehicle emissions on days when the ozone is forecast to reach or go above 126. On these days, a "Spare The Air" alert is issued, and drivers are encouraged to reduce vehicle trips and use alternative transportation options. The program provides additional tips throughout the season for ways to reduce ozone production. Learn more about the program and register for EnviroFlash alerts at ysaqmd.org/transportation/spare-the-air/.
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2023 Clean Air Art Contest - Winners Announced
The annual Clean Air Art Contest is part of the District's Clean Air Classroom program providing educational opportunities for students to learn about Air Quality and how they can improve air quality in their community. The District received 76 submissions from 21 Yolo and Solano County schools this year. See the list of winning artists and view their artwork on the District website at www.ysaqmd.org/classrooms/.
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YSAQMD Welcomes New Staff in the Engineering Department
Teresa Godoy joined the District in May as an Air Quality Engineer. Prior to joining the District, Teresa worked for an environmental and geotechnical consulting company. In her role in the Engineering Department, she will be evaluating and issuing permits, conducting start-up inspections, and performing source testing. Teresa is excited to work at the District and assist in achieving the District's mission and goals.
2023/2024 College Interns
The District is excited to welcome our new 23/24 Intern, Ashley Hoang, a junior studying Chemical Engineering at UC Davis. Ashley is looking forward to participating in the work of the District because it directly benefits the community. Ashley will be joining Genevieve Burye who is beginning her second year as an intern in the District's Engineering Department.
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Looking Ahead:
The next edition of Air Aware will highlight the District's Summer/Fall Programs and Incentives including:
- Final FY 23/24 Budget
- Moyer, FARMER, and CAP Incentive Funding Awards
- Our staff will be attending these upcoming events
- Woodland Farmer's Market (7/22)
- Yolo County Children's Alliance Resource Fair (8/5)
- Woodland Growers and Farmworkers Festival (10/6)
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YOLO-SOLANO AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
1947 Galileo Court, Suite 103, Davis, CA 95618
Phone: 530-757-3650 | Fax: 530-757-3670 | www.ysaqmd.org
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