California Air Resources Board

Proposed New Member for the California Air Resources Board's Research Screening Committee

May 23, 2024

Summary

The Research Screening Committee provides robust scientific peer review for CARB’s research projects.  The Committee can have up to eleven members to provide guidance on the wide range of topics relevant to CARB programs.  CARB staff have selected Michael Schmeltz, DrPH, of California State University, East Bay, for the Board to consider for appointment to the Research Screening Committee (RSC). Dr. Schmeltz was selected through a public nomination and application process and has demonstrated experience and expertise in public health.

Background

As required by State law (Health and Safety Code Section 39700), CARB sponsors a research program guided by the mission to provide sound and timely scientific results to support CARB’s policies and programs. CARB’s research program was established by the Legislature in 1971 and has formed the basis of CARB’s programs since its inception. The research program’s goals of informing health-based air quality standards, reducing air pollution exposures, and protecting California from the potential impacts of climate change have been met through a diverse portfolio of projects.

State law also requires that CARB establish the Research Screening Committee (RSC) to review proposed and completed research projects. The RSC provides robust scientific peer review for CARB’s research projects and consists of up to eleven members encompassing physicians, scientists, biologist, chemist, engineers, meteorologists, and other subject matter experts that have the knowledge necessary to effectively advise on CARB’s health, environmental justice, air quality, and climate research.

In April 2023, CARB released a public call for nominations and applications to fill positions on the RSC. The nominations and applications were due in May 2023. CARB received applications for the five areas of expertise listed below. These areas of expertise were identified as priority knowledge gaps to fill with the incoming RSC members.

• Agriculture
• Community-based research
• Public health
• Transportation services and vehicle technology
• Urban planning

Staff reviewed and scored all applications. Applications were evaluated based on the following criteria: qualifications for primary expertise area(s); statement of interest; relevant experience; experience in secondary area of expertise; and letter(s) of support. The top candidates were interviewed to identify the most qualified to fill the priority areas of expertise. Staff recommend Dr. Michael Schmeltz for his expertise in public health and provide a brief biography below. His expertise will increase the capacity and knowledge base needed to support CARB’s research programs.

Professor Michael Schmeltz, DrPH, MS

California State University, East Bay

Dr. Michael Schmeltz has over a decade of experience working on occupational and environmental health issues. He is currently an Assistant Professor at California State University, East Bay. His research and work focuses on the use of geospatial and epidemiological methods for risk assessments to examine social and structural vulnerabilities communities face from environmental and climate hazards. His research has also expanded into climate change governance and policy development, specifically addressing extreme heat action plans, GHG emission reduction in transportation, and exploring ways to achieve a ‘just transition’ towards decarbonization. Dr. Schmeltz serves in a number of advisory roles including the US EPA Board of Scientific Counselors and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District

Dr. Schmeltz has worked extensively with environmental justice/climate justice (EJ/CJ) communities in engagement, outreach, and programing to improve adaptation and resilience in the most affected populations. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Schmeltz also believes representation of historically marginalized populations matter in making informed decisions to understand the benefits and consequences of those decisions. He works with a wide range of stakeholders designing inclusive approaches to research that effectively translate and communicates scientific knowledge to address complex environmental health problems.