>> "Check Before You Burn" Season November through February
Posted: November 2009
"No Burn" programs aimed at keeping pollution levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) below the health-based standards are in place for the November 2009 to February 2010 winter season.  Wood burning restrictions and voluntary programs are necessary to meet the federal government's health standard for PM 2.5. Check the burn status in your country prior to burning this season!

>>Support Changes to Wood-Burning Rule 421
Posted: September 2009
The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board (SMAQMD) will consider changes to the Sacramento County wood burning regulations (Rule 421). This rule restricts burning wood when air pollution levels are predicted to exceed federal health standards during the winter season.  Changes to Rule 421 are necessary to achieve further reductions in fine particle concentrations so that our area can make considerable progress toward attaining the federal standard. The U.S. EPA examines 3 years worth of data to assess the attainment/nonattainment status of an area.  Show your support at the public hearing on September 24, 2009.  

>>Support of Federal CARS Program
Posted: August 2009
The Cleaner Air Partnership is proud to strongly embrace the federal Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).    The CARS program, also popularly titled “Cash for Clunkers”, provides $3,500 or $4,500 rebates to dealers for trade-in vehicles when consumers purchase or lease a new vehicle with improved fuel ratings.  In addition to the environmental and public health benefits from replacing gas-guzzling vehicles with more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, this program is energizing the economy by boosting auto sales.

>>May is Bike Month
Posted: May 2009
May is Bike Month, so together let’s honor ourselves and our air by generating a little pedal power.  When you participate in May is Bike Month you increase the health of the citizens in our community by improving our air quality, which reduces negative health impacts.  By collectively replacing over 1million vehicle miles traveled in May with bicycled miles, the Sacramento Region saved 455,613 pounds of global-warming CO2 from our atmosphere!  Let’s keep pedaling, every mile makes a difference, and together our action will benefit our waistlines, health and air quality.

>> Wood Smoke Reduction Programs
Posted: March 2009
Wood smoke from fireplaces is the largest source of particulate pollution in the Sacramento region and has been linked to serious health implications.  The California Air Resources Board found that wood smoke can cause a 10 percent increase of hospital admissions for respiratory problems among children. To reduce the impact from this smoke, air districts have partnered with retailers and implemented incentive programs to encourage residents to replace old units with cleaner-burning EPA certified appliances.   By causing wood to burn more efficiently, these EPA certified units will significantly reduce the amount of particulate pollution released into the air.

>> Comment on region's new transportation plan
Posted: November 2007
The region's transportation planning agency, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, has released a draft of a $42 billion plan for transit, roads, bike paths, buses and other transportation through 2035, and an accompanying environmental impact report. Comments are due by Dec. 20, 2007. How to comment ...

>> Avoid woodburning on winter bad-air days
Posted: October 2007
The Sacramento air district's Check Before You Burn program advises when it's especially hamful to burn wood. this new law restricts woodburning in fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves and other woodburning devices in Sacramento County when airborne soot levels are predicted to exceed federal health standards November through February. How to get involved...

>> Woodburning rule a key to soot standards
Posted: August 2007
Winter wood smoke can settle in a neighborhood and cause health problems. Because we don't meet health standards, it can also threaten our transportation funding and economy. How to get involved...

>> Support air-friendly neighborhoods
Updated: August 2007
The City of Sacramento is updating its 20-year growth blueprint – a crucial opportunity to support pedestrian- and bike-friendly streets, public transit and other air-friendly community design. How to get involved...

>> Smog Check bill faces final hurdles
Posted: August 2007
A bill that would add an annual Smog Check for non-exempt older cars has been endorsed by the Cleaner Air Partnership and is facing its final legislative tests. How to get involved...

>> Help reduce winter soot pollution...
Posted: November 2006
Winter wood smoke can settle in a neighborhood and cause health problems. It can also threaten our transportation funding and economy because we don't meet federal health standards. How to get involved...


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