South Coast Air Project
Geographic focus: South Coast Air Basin
Activity Level: South Coast Air Quality Management District, Air Resources Board
The South Coast Air Basin remains a dichotomy: this 10,000 sq. mile region ranks among the worst air quality in the nation, yet the district enforces some of the most stringent air pollution control laws in the world and has made exemplary progress towards reducing harmful emissions.
The South Coast Air Project (SCAP) works directly with the district to continuously improve air quality programs. SCAP advances solutions that streamline permitting processes and reduce costs to businesses and the state by directing limited resources to the most cost-effective solutions (“least cost, maximum benefit”).
CCEEB supports necessary command-and-control regulations, but believes that market-based incentives can capture additional improvements not otherwise attainable. To this end, CCEEB has been instrumental in the design and continuous improvement of the Regional Clean Air Incentives Market (RECLAIM). Since its inception in 1994, the RECLAIM market has traded over $720 million worth of emission credits and has resulted in reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions by 70% and sulfur oxide emissions by 60% at over 300 facilities.
Mobile sources emit the bulk of criteria pollutants and air toxics; reductions must be made in order for the district to attain air quality goals. However, state and federal agencies are statutorily responsible for regulating mobile source emissions, and must work in cooperation with the district. As part of its work, SCAP develops and advocates policies that increase emissions reductions from transportation and the movement of goods, and works to ensure consistent and cost-effective policies and programs across all jurisdictions.
Sample Work Agenda
- Scheduled rulemaking activity at the District
- On-going issues: offset requirements and the Priority Reserve; District climate change efforts; CAA Section 185(b)(2) fees, Rule 317; 2009 Clean Communities Plan, environmental justice, cumulative impacts; permitting; RECLAIM and Rule 2301
- Legislative activity: SCAQMD state and federal legislative priorities (see board goals)
- Committee participation: CCP work group, budget advisory committee, permit streamlining task force, home rule advisory group (HRAG), HRAG subcommittee on credits and offsets
Project Management
William J. Quinn
CCEEB Vice President
415-512-7890
billq at cceeb dot org
Meeting Frequency and Location
Diamond Bar monthly meetings