The AB 617 Program continues to work toward the improvement of air quality and public health in environmental justice communities. This community-based program brings together residents, local businesses, 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.

These plans are known as the Community Emission Reduction Plans (CERPs) and Community Air Monitoring Plans (CAMPs). The CERPs focus on community-identified air quality priorities and the CAMPs provide strategies for air quality monitoring that are unique to that community. All six communities within the South Coast AQMD jurisdiction are currently in the implementation phase of the CERP and CAMP plans.

Recently, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Community Air Programs (DEI + CAP) held a staff retreat at the Riverside offices of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), alongside CARB staff. The lunch session included a panel discussion featuring various AB 617 Community Steering Committee members. These types of discussions provide participants with opportunities to observe DEI issues and listen to community concerns.

South Coast AQMD will continue to work with CSC members and 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 www.aqmd.gov/ab617.

Upcoming Quarterly Meetings for each CSC: 

• East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, West Commerce (ELABHWC) – May 23, 4-6 p.m.

• Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) June 6, 4-6 p.m.

• Wilmington, Carson West Long Beach (WCWLB) – June 13, 2-4:30 p.m.

• San Bernardino, Muscoy (SBM) – June 20, 6-8 p.m.

• South Los Angeles (SLA) – June 27, 4-6 p.m.

• Quarter 3: “All CSCs Meeting” August 2024, venue and details to be announced.