Sacramento region set to meet federal health-based air quality standard two years before deadline. - MIRATECH
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Sacramento region set to meet federal health-based air quality standard two years before deadline.

November 30, 2017

On November 16, 2017, The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced it has adopted the Sacramento region’s Ozone Plan, which demonstrates the region will meet a federal 8-hour ozone standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb) two years ahead of schedule, or by July 20, 2025.

Sacramento region ozone non attainment boundary map.  Click to enlarge.

Air quality has improved substantially in the region, primarily due to emission reductions from cars and trucks, which generate 85 percent of the region’s oxides of nitrogen (NOx), a primary contributor to ozone, or smog.

Most of the reductions are due to CARB’s successful air pollution control programs aimed at cars and trucks. And because the regulations are phased in over time the region is expected to benefit from further emission reductions in the future.

“Today is a remarkable day for air quality progress in the Sacramento region,” Board member and Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna said. “This achievement is the product of effective partnerships and strong state controls on air pollution from cars and trucks.”

The Ozone Plan reflects ongoing regional reductions in ozone pollution, which can damage lung tissue and lead to decreased lung function. Highlights of the region’s successes:

  • Between 2000 and 2016, the number of days the region exceeded the standard was reduced by 42 percent, despite growth in the region’s population and traffic.
  • During that same time period, the population grew by 25 percent and vehicle miles traveled by 36 percent.
  • At the same time, NOx emissions were reduced by 61 percent, almost all from cars and trucks. NOx emissions are expected to be cut in half between now and the attainment year.

What this means to you
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted the Sacramento region’s Ozone Plan, which demonstrates the region will meet a federal 8-hour ozone standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb) two years ahead of schedule, or by July 20, 2025.

MIRATECH can help
Contact MIRATECH for stationary engine emission solutions.