At its December 2, 2022 meeting, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) Governing Board is expected to consider adoption of the Draft 2022 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). The Draft 2022 AQMP establishes the path for reducing air pollution to meet the federal ozone standard established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) in 2015. The South Coast Air Basin must reduce ozone levels from 126 parts per billion (ppb) in 2020 to 70 ppb by 2037. Unlike most other air pollutants, ozone (smog), is not directly emitted, but instead is formed in the atmosphere. Ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. While both NOx and VOCs contribute to ozone, the key to attaining the ozone standard is to reduce NOx.
The Draft 2022 AQMP includes a series of actions and strategies to reduce NOx, including the wide transition to zero-emission technologies when available, and ultra-low emission technologies when zero-emissions aren’t feasible. The Draft 2022 AQMP also proposes new regulations and incentive programs. Even after including all feasible measures at the state and regional level, significant new actions are still needed from the federal government to reduce emissions from sources primarily under its control, such as ships, planes, trains and trucks. The only way to achieve the required NOx reductions is through extensive use of zero-emission technologies across all stationary and mobile sources coupled with rules and regulations, investment strategies and incentives.
Development of the Draft 2022 AQMP has been a multiyear, collaborative effort led by South Coast AQMD, with participation by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Southern California Association of Governments, U.S. EPA and a wide range of businesses, environmental and community groups and health organizations. Numerous public meetings and workshops have been held to receive feedback on proposed strategies to promote the collaborative process and public participation.
The Draft 2022 AQMP is available for review online, and the public is encouraged to submit ideas on control measures and to provide feedback during public comment periods either online or at regional public meetings to be held this summer and fall.
Once adopted by South Coast AQMD’s Governing Board, the Draft 2022 AQMP requires CARB’s adoption before submittal for U.S. EPA’s final approval.
For more information on the Draft 2022 AQMP including the policy briefing papers and upcoming workshops and public meetings visit www.aqmd.gov/2022aqmp.