This page last reviewed June 9, 2008

BACKGROUND

As a first step in the implementation of Senate Bill 656 (SB 656, Sher, 2003), the ARB approved a list of the most readily available, feasible, and cost-effective control measures that can be employed by air districts to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 (collectively referred to as PM) at the November 18, 2004 Board meeting. The list is based on rules, regulations, and programs existing in California as of January 1, 2004, for stationary, area-wide, and mobile sources. As a second step, in 2005, air districts adopted implementation schedules for selected measures from the list. The implementation schedules identify the appropriate subset of measures, and the dates for final adoption, implementation, and the sequencing of selected control measures. In developing the implementation schedules, each air district prioritized measures based on the nature and severity of the PM problem in their area and cost-effectiveness. Consideration was also given to ongoing programs such as measures being adopted to meet national air quality standards or the State ozone planning process. Air districts are currently working on the evaluation and adoption of rules in their implementation schedules. The implementation of the air district schedules, coupled with ARB's ongoing programs, will ensure continued progress in reducing public exposure to PM and attainment of the State and federal standards. Finally, no later than January 1, 2009, the ARB must prepare a report descibing actions taken to fulfill the requirements of the legislation as well as recommendations for further actions to assist in achieving the State PM standards.

CURRENT ACTIVITIES

If you have general questions on the implementation of SB 656, please contact Ms. Sylvia Zulawnick, Manager, Particulate Matter Analysis Section, at (916) 324-7163 or szulawni@arb.ca.gov, or Dr. Patricia Velasco at (916) 323-7560 or pvelasco@arb.ca.gov.

PM MEASURES LISTSERVE

If you would like to receive electronic notices from ARB about activities related to the implementation of SB 656, please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/pmmeasures.htm.