Sacramento’s Air Quality: A Passing Grade, Alberto Ayala LTE SacBee, May 22, 2022

Post: Sacramento Bee, Letters to the Editor, May 22, 2022

AQI PASSING GRADE

RE: “Sacramento among California cities with filthiest air in the US, new study says. What to know,” (sacbee.com, April 22)

The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air 2022” report does not specify that extreme but short-term impacts from wildfires cause high readings, resulting in a misleading picture of Sacramento’s air quality. Air quality and public health are absolutely impacted by wildfires, but to assign an “F” grade without naming the reason unnecessarily undermines public confidence and denies true progress tackling air and climate pollution. Thanks to innovative initiatives by the Sac Metro Air District and our regional partners and stringent rules and regulations, air quality in Sacramento (minus wildfires) has improved significantly over the past several decades and will continue to improve. Our region has made great strides in moving toward meeting strict health-based ambient air quality standards. That is no small feat for the public and private sectors and certainly worth a passing grade.

Dr. Alberto Ayala, Sacramento

https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article261627617.html#storylink=cpy

Caldor Fire: Sept 1 Update

Firefighters ‘lucked out’ with lighter winds, gain in fight to save South Lake Tahoe

By Staff (ABC10), Associated Press | September 1, 2021 | ABC 10

South Lake Tahoe launched an evacuation resources page for evacuees on Wednesday. The site includes information on shelters, where evacuees can go to get their mail, discounted hotels, transportation options, and more.
…
The National Weather Service warns critical weather conditions through Wednesday could include extremely low humidity, dry fuel, and gusts up to 30 mph.

Click here for current information on Caldor Fire evacuations, road closures and updates from ABC 10 News.

Photo by skeeze (pixabay.com)

Western Soils and Plants are Parched

June 5, 2021 | NASA

For the second year in a row, drought has parched much of the United States from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast. Following one of the planet’s warmest years on record, and with precipitation this year well below average in the western U.S., scientists and government agencies are watching for diminished water resources and potentially severe fire seasons.
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/148419/western-soils-and-plants-are-parched

Click here to read the full article.

California’s Wildfire Season Is Off to an Early Start

By Olivia Rosane | May 4, 2021 | EcoWatch

Fire season in California usually starts in summer and extends through the fall, according to The Guardian. However, the climate crisis has upended weather patterns in the state, which is now suffering from drought conditions. Much of California, including the north, is experiencing its driest wet season in more than 40 years; Sacramento experienced its driest on record in April, NWS said.
https://www.ecowatch.com/california-wildfires-2021-2652873703.html

Click here to read the full article.

Where There’s Fire, There’s Smoke – May 13 webinar

Last fall, smoke affected your life and health. This fall……? It is likely to happen again. Why?

Learn about climate change and wildfires, the dangers of smoke and how to protect your health at home.

Join us at 6:00pm – 7:30pm Pacific Time on Thursday, May 13th

Registration and Program details: Sacbreathe.org/where-theres-fire/

Learn why we are experiencing increased smoke from wildfires in Sacramento and why it is getting worse. We’ll discuss how heat and smoke affect health. We’ll offer practical information on protecting your health from smoke, with an emphasis on what you can do at home. Finally, you’ll learn about the Sacramento County Climate Action Plan and how to contribute your ideas to keeping Sacramento a great place to live.

Speakers

Climate change and wildfires – Dana Nuccitelli, environmental scientist and climate journalist
Health impacts of climate change and smoke – Dr. Helene Margolis, epidemiologist, UC Davis
Mitigating smoke impacts at home – Jeff Williams Ph.D, air pollution Specialist, CARB
Climate Action Plans – What are they and how you can make your voice heard by the County – Michelle Manning

Photo by Pixabay https://www.pexels.com/photo/forest-on-fire-51951/

Draft Report Available: Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Contemporary Wildfire, Prescribed Fire, and Forest Management Activities

December 31, 2020
California Air Resources Board

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff has prepared an analysis that estimates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wildfire and prescribed burn and the amount of ecosystem carbon transformed by forest management activities (which may include tree harvest and other vegetation fuels management to reduce fire risk). A report that describes the methodologies and summarizes the estimation results is now available for informal public comment and review.

How to Send Comments or Questions

Please send comments or questions via email to Anny Huang, Manager of the Emission Inventory Analysis Section. CARB staff requests input on contemporary wildfire and forest management activities by February 28, 2021. A separate two-month public comment period will be provided for the historical fire report after it is available.

Learn more