On February 15, 2026, the Environmental Council of Sacramento, in response to the South Sacramento – Florin Community Emissions Reduction Program draft plan, submitted a letter of our comments.
Below is an excerpt from our letter.
ECOS is very supportive of this plan and applauds the Sac Metro Air District and the Community Steering Committee (CSC) for their extensive work to create multi-scale strategies that include and reflect the South Sacramento – Florin community. We appreciate the opportunity to submit the following comments on the South Sacramento – Florin Community Emissions Reduction Program (CERP) Draft Plan.
Monday, November 24, 2025 at 6 PM (drinks/snacks starting at 5:30) Hybrid meeting: In-person at Mogavero Architects, 1331 T Street, Sacramento and Zoom. Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6656164155 To phone in: 669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 665 616 4155
Sacramento Metro Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) Executive Officer Dr. Alberto Ayala
Alberto will discuss the following topics and welcome questions. Please join the discussion!
Alberto joined our air district 8 years ago after 17 years at the State Air Resource Board (CARB) where he directed regulations for vehicle emissions reductions and electrification.
Recently, the Sacramento region met the federal 8-hour ozone standard for the first time, for which Alberto accepted an award from Breathe California Sacramento Region.
Here’s what we’ll discuss:
IMPACT OF RECENT FEDERAL ACTIONS on our air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) progress o EPA’s Reconsideration of 2009 Endangerment Finding and GHG Vehicle Standards: Would prevent federal action to limit climate change; prevent California from requiring cleaner cars. o Recission of promised funds: Community Pollution Reduction Grants, and Sacramento Regional Climate Resilience Plan: Funds were promised last year to our region for projects such as handling ag and forest waste – how can we move ahead without those funds?
PARTICULATES: o Fine particulate matter levels (PM2.5) are highest fall/winter: How can we reduce levels? PM2.5 causes more health problems than other pollutants; e.g., heart disease, dementia. o Ultrafine PM: What should we do about them? These tiny particles appear to be the most health-threatening – from sources like diesel exhaust and wildfires.
METHANE: SMUD’s emissions (Methane is a much more potent GHG than carbon dioxide.)
SOUTH SACRAMENTO COMMUNITY AIR MONITORING: AQMD found high levels of PM2.5, cancer-causing diesel exhaust & aldehydes in Florin/Route 99 environmental justice area – what to do now?
Updates by Committee Chairs Ralph Propper and Eugene Lee: [Add your own for us to hear!]
Caltrans’ plan to add lanes to I-80 in Yolo County: ECOS appeals court decision denying our lawsuit.
Sacramento County’s Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force: What’s next for plans to cut GHG?
Sales Tax to Fund Transit – plans for Citizens’ Initiative for 2026 Ballot: How can we help?
Biomass & Beyond: Growing a Resilient Regional Bioeconomy (recent Valley Vision event): We have a lot of dead trees in the Sierras, and much agricultural waste – we must do better than burn them!
Airport South Industrial Project – diesel exhaust near school: City Council hearing Dec. 2
Upper Westside Project: County postponed approval after City Council letter of concerns
SMUD’s 2030 zero-carbon goal, and proposed Coyote Creek solar project: County hearing Nov 18.
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
