California Air Resources Board

The Community Air Protection Program Framework (Framework) collectively refers to the Program’s process for meeting AB 617’s requirements to develop a statewide strategy and monitoring plan for CARB Board consideration by October 1, 2018. Development of the Program Framework is still in the early stages and staff have released a Concept Paper to obtain advice and feedback to continue guiding our efforts going forward. The Concept Paper specifically outlines the proposed process for identifying impacted communities, statewide strategies to reduce emissions of criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants, as well as proposed criteria for development of community emissions reduction programs and community air monitoring campaigns. Community meetings, workshops, and all-day summits will continue to take place through summer 2018 to inform the development of the Framework. We are also coordinating with local air districts who will be providing additional engagement and outreach efforts at the local level. CARB has also convened a multi-stakeholder Consultation Group that will meet throughout the development and implementation of AB 617.

Background

AB 617, authored by Assembly Member Cristina Garcia and signed into law by Governor Brown on July 26, 2017, provides a new community-focused action framework to improve air quality in communities most impacted by air pollution. The bill recognizes that while California has seen tremendous improvement in air quality, some communities still suffer greater impacts than others. It is these communities that require special attention and accelerated action. AB 617 builds on the foundation of existing air quality legislation and programs, providing additional tools to target actions in communities that bear the greatest burdens.

Specifically the legislation sets out a planning framework that includes:

• Community-level air quality monitoring
• A state strategy and community specific emission reduction plans
• An expedited schedule for the installation of the cleanest controls on industrial facilities
• Enhanced requirements for the reporting of emissions data
• Increased penalty provisions for polluters

Grants to local community groups to support active engagement in developing solutions for their communities