Air Quality and Transportation Planning

Background

The ARB and local air districts are responsible for developing clean air plans to demonstrate how and when California will attain air quality standards established under both the federal and California Clean Air Acts. For the areas within California that have not attained air quality standards, the ARB works with air districts to develop and implement State and local attainment plans. In general, attainment plans contain a discussion of ambient air quality data and trends; a baseline emissions inventory; future year projections of emissions, which account for growth projections and already adopted control measures; a comprehensive control strategy of additional measures needed to reach attainment; an attainment demonstration, which generally involves complex modeling; and contingency measures. Plans may also include interim milestones for progress toward attainment. Please consider joining one or more of ARB's Air Quality and Transportation Planning-related e-lists.

Air quality planning activities also include the development of policies, guidance, and regulations related to State and federal ambient air quality standards; coordination with local agencies on transportation plans and strategies; and providing assistance to local districts and transportation agencies. Finally, ARB is a lead agency in the development of reduction strategies for greenhouse gases.

State Implementation Plans	This area provides access to selected State Implementation Plans (SIPs) required by the federal Clean Air Act, including plans development and submitted plans.
ARB 2001 Strategic Plan	Within the framework established by the California Environmental Protection Agency's Strategic Vision, we have developed a strategic plan that sets out mission, vision, values, and our goals and strategies over the next several years.
Goods Movement Emission Reduction Plan	Information about development of a plan to cut emissions from ports, rail yards and transportation corridors to reduce existing health risk and meet air quality standards.
Diesel Risk Reduction Plan	This plan recommends many control measures to reduce the risks associated with diesel particulate matter (PM) and achieve a goal of 75 percent PM reduction by 2010 and 85 percent by 2020.
Climate Change Scoping Plan	The Scoping Plan has a range of GHG reduction actions which include direct regulations, alternative compliance mechanisms, monetary and non-monetary incentives, voluntary actions, and market-based mechanisms such as a cap-and-trade system.
District Program Reviews (Audits)	The ARB conducts program reviews to provide constructive feedback to the districts to assist them in carrying out their air quality programs. This webpage provides links to reports for completed program reviews and information on program reviews in process. A district program review schedule for upcoming reviews is also available.
Retrospective on California's Air Quality Program	At the February 21, 2002 Board hearing, ARB staff made an oral presentation providing a historical overview of ARB actions to reduce emissions from motor vehicles, fuels, consumer products, and other sources, and describing the effect of these actions on emissions and air quality in California.
California - Mexico Border Activities Update	ARB has been involved in several air quality management activities in the California - Mexico border region, which will assist in the development of air quality management plans for the region.
Transportation Strategies and Air Quality	The ARB encourages the implementation of transportation strategies that reduce vehicle emissions cost-effectively. This section includes guidance on evaluating the cost-effectiveness of strategies for State and federal funding programs, transportation conformity requirements, information on bicycles and air quality, and an employer guide for the parking cash-out law.
Regional Haze	U.S. EPA regulations require states to improve visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. California is working with other western states to understand and improve visibility.

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