Community Air Monitoring Programs – Coordination Discussion 6/13

In-person: Valley Vision, 3400 3rd Avenue, Sacramento (snacks/drinks!)
or Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83350840698?pwd=ikvVdNIbfvLdB229bbdWEXSyN33ebQ.1
Meeting ID: 833 5084 0698; Passcode: 142040

Three air monitoring programs are underway in the Sacramento area, focused on underserved communities. They are intended to inform residents about their likely sources of unhealthy air, and help come up with viable solutions.

We will hear from those involved with these studies:

  • Valley Vision: Sacramento Neighborhoods Activating on Air Quality
    Focus: Old North Sacramento/Norwood and Oak Park/Fruitridge
  • Sacramento Metro Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD): Community Air Monitoring Plan
    Focus: South Sacramento, Florin/Route 99
  • Breathe California-Sacramento Region & CSUS: Sacramento County Vehicle Emission Project
    Focus: Health impacts of near-roadway pollution

Also, SMAQMD Transportation & Climate Division Director Jaime Lemus will discuss federal funding for:

  • Community Pollution Reduction Grants for the seven-county Sacramento region
    (funded by the Inflation Reduction Act through US EPA)
  • A Climate Resilient Capital Region – involving SACOG, SMAQMD, SMUD, SAFCA, SacRT, PCWA (Placer County Water Agency), RWA (Regional Water Authority)
    – a multi-benefit approach to resiliency through coordinated action and collective investment

Updates:

  • Caltrans’ plan to add lanes to I-80 in Yolo County
  • Status of Climate Action Plans, & Sacramento County’s Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force
  • ECOS’ work with SacRT to highlight the benefits of public transit
  • Others …

Click here to view the agenda.

Watch Recording – ECOS Special: Making Democracy Work

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, the Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS) hosted a special meeting entitled Making Democracy Work. You can watch a recording of the meeting below.

Speakers included:
Paula Lee, President of the League of Women Voters, SacCounty
Josh Rosa, Better Ballot Sacramento

Questions asked included:

  • What is the League of Women Voters?
  • What is proportional representation?
  • How does Ranked Choice Voting fit in?
  • What’s the status of the National Popular Vote Compact?

Elimination of City’s $1 million contribution to “RydeFreeRT” program for students

On May 7, 2024, ECOS submitted a letter to the City of Sacramento about the proposal to eliminate their $1 million contribution to “RydeFreeRT” program for students. Below is an excerpt from our letter.

ECOS (Environmental Council of Sacramento) opposes the City Manager’s proposed elimination of the City’s $1 million contribution to SacRT’s “RydeFreeRT” program for students. Student ridership has more than doubled since its inception five years ago, providing clean mobility options for students including internships and other opportunities. Our region consistently ranks in the top ten nationally for unhealthy air and RydeFreeRT has substantially reduced air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

Click here to read the letter in full.

Sutter’s Landing Park Master Plan

On May 2, 2024, ECOS and Habitat 2020 submitted to the City of Sacramento a comment letter and report entitled ECOS Campaign for Protecting Natural Areas in the City of Sacramento. They relate to the City’s update of Sutter’s Landing Park Master Plan. We ask that the City take a nature-centric planning approach as they develop the update.

Click here to read the letter in full.

Click here to view the attachment ECOS Campaign for Protecting Natural Areas in the City of Sacramento

ECOS Special: Making Democracy Work 5/8/2024

Wednesday May 8, 2024
6:00-7:00 pm Discussion/Presentation w/Q&A at 7:00 pm

Join us for this special ECOS discussion and presentation

  • What is the League of Women Voters?
  • What is proportional representation?
  • How does Ranked Choice Voting fit in?
  • What’s the status of the National Popular Vote Compact?

Paula Lee
President of the League of Women Voters, SacCounty

Josh Rosa
Better Ballot Sacramento

Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6656164155
To phone in: 669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 665 616 4155