Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD Board Meeting - July 25, 2024

The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board of Directors met on July 25, 2024, at 13:01 UTC. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, a public hearing on amendments to Rule 442 (architectural coatings), informational presentations on land use and climate programs, Carl Moyer and Clean Cars for All updates, and the Air Pollution Control Officer's report. The board voted to approve Resolution No. 2024-12 adopting the Rule 442 amendments, despite opposition from Director Daniels. The meeting also covered updates on grant failures, heat island mitigation tools, and workforce development.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1 through 5 were approved unanimously via roll call vote. (All present directors voted aye/yes.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Rule 442 Amendments (Public Hearing): Presented by air quality engineer Ananya Serenavas. The amendments align with state guidelines to reduce VOC emissions from architectural coatings, but will only take effect if triggered due to failure to meet ozone attainment goals. The rule is expected to achieve a 7.8% reduction in VOC emissions from this category, with a cost effectiveness of $2 per pound of VOC reduced. The estimated retail cost increase is up to 11% (CARB estimate), but staff consider this conservative. Public comments from EPA Region 9 and the American Coatings Association (ACA) were addressed: EPA suggested restricting small container exemptions (staff declined, citing minimal benefit), and ACA requested a three-year sell-through period (staff recommended one year to ensure timely reductions).
• Land Use and Climate Program Updates: Presented by Roberto Ramirez. The region did not receive a $93 million CPRG Phase 2 implementation grant; only South Coast AQMD received funding in California. However, the PCAP process will inform the upcoming Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), with a kickoff on July 25, 2024. Also, updates were shared on the CapCOA handbook additions, the UC Davis Health Neighbor Clean Air Program (providing HEPA purifiers), and MARTI, a device for measuring thermal comfort, funded in partnership with Elk Grove and Davis.
• Carl Moyer and Clean Cars for All Program Updates: Presented by Salita Lazarga. The Carl Moyer solicitation reopened June 24, 2024, with $10 million available, prioritizing zero-emission projects in disadvantaged communities (up to 80% funding vs. 65% for diesel). The Charlene McGee Memorial Lawn and Garden Program has allocated most of its $1.2 million, with $450,000 remaining as of early July. A residential program is planned for next year. Clean Cars for All is preparing for a relaunch in August, with incentives up to $12,000 and new e-bike options.
• Air Pollution Control Officer's Report: Dr. Ayala reported on the first permitted fuel cell system at a water treatment facility, a “small but significant” step. He also announced the continuation of the hybrid telework model (minimum one day in office) for another year, based on performance metrics. He noted the AB 617 community transition in South Sacramento/Florin and the region’s involvement in the California Economic Summit.

Key Outcomes

• Rule 442 Amendments: Motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-12 passed with 10 ayes (Directors Desmond, Frost, Geta, Hume, Chair Kennedy, Maple, Papanell? – noted as “Aye†by the clerk, Robles, Cerna, Terry, Thous, Vang) and 2 noes (Directors Rorbah and Daniels). The resolution approves the rule amendments, finds them CEQA-exempt, and directs staff to forward to CARB and EPA.
• CPRG Grant: No action; noted the region was not selected, but a debrief with EPA has been requested.
• Telework: Decision to continue hybrid model for one more fiscal year, with a report to the board at the end of the period.
• AB 617: Awaited ARB decision later that day to transition South Sacramento/Florin to a Community Emission Reduction Plan.