The AB 617 Program continues to work toward the improvement of air quality and public health in overburdened, environmental justice communities. The community-based program brings together residents, health and environmental organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to form Community Steering Committees (CSCs) to develop and implement plans to help reduce air pollution.
In 2023, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Community Air Plans (DEI with CAP) created a new initiative called Critical Community Conversations for Purposeful Outreach (C3PO). The goal is to have staff spend time within each of the AB 617 communities, networking and engaging with CSC members in their own neighborhoods. Staff continues to participate in tours, community events, and resource fairs facilitated by CSC members. These community collaborations provide participants with the opportunity to observe DEI issues and listen to community concerns.
The South Coast AQMD Governing Board received the 2023 Annual Progress Report for Assembly Bill 617 Community Emission Reductions Plan at the December 1, 2023 Governing Board Meeting. The Annual Progress Report summarizes the progress of Community Emission Reductions Plans (CERP) implementation for all six South Coast AQMD AB 617 communities from September 6, 2019 to June 30, 2023, capturing a total of approximately 300 CERP objectives. As of June 30, 2023, approximately 18 percent of all CERP objectives are completed, 68 percent are in progress, and 14 percent have not started (implementation will begin in future reporting periods).
South Coast AQMD will continue to work with CSC members and community co-lead organizations throughout the CERP implementation process and will hold quarterly meetings to update the community on the progress of the CERPs and CAMPs. For more information on the AB 617 program or meeting schedules, visit our AB 617 webpages.
Upcoming 1st Quarter 2024 meetings for each CSC:
• Eastern Coachella Valley (ECV) – January 18, 5-7 p.m.
• San Bernardino, Muscoy (SBM) – February 1, 6-8 p.m.
• Wilmington, Carson West Long Beach (WCWLB) – February 15, 2-4 p.m.
• Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) – February 29, 4-6 p.m.
• East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, West Commerce (ELABHWC) – March 14, 4-6 p.m.
• South Los Angeles (SLA) – March 28, 4-6 p.m.