Bay Area Air Quality Management District

Board Adopts Legislative Platform Including Support for AB 1777 and Opposition to Federal Rollbacks

The board adopted its 2026 legislative platform with bill positions on state and federal legislation, with one abstention from a member who wanted the skipped staff presentation.

Why it matters: The platform includes support for AB 1777 to expand CARB's indirect source rule authority statewide and opposes Trump administration attacks on California's clean air authority.

Environmental Groups Push for Strong Warehouse Pollution Rule Across the Bay Area

Multiple environmental organizations urged the board to prioritize a robust indirect source rule for warehouses, citing South Coast's WEAR program as proof the approach works.

Why it matters: Neighborhoods with the highest particulate matter pollution also see the most rapid warehouse expansion; South Coast's ISR already reduces 1.47 tons of NOx per day from warehouse equipment.

CAC and Board Demand Enforceable Air Rules After Zero Dust Penalties in Five Years

Board and Community Advisory Council held a rare joint session on strengthening flaring and fugitive dust rules, with CAC members revealing zero financial penalties for concrete dust violations across the district in five years.

Why it matters: Over 200,000 Bay Area residents in refinery corridors routinely see and smell flaring events, and AB 617 communities have waited years for enforceable dust rules that inspectors can actually apply in the field.

Air District Retiree Blasts Executive's 23% Raise While Rank-and-File Workers Lack COLA

A retired employee called out the executive officer's guaranteed COLA and 23% three-year pay increase while the largest class of workers remains without a cost-of-living adjustment.

Why it matters: The employees association representing the largest worker classification at the district has no current MOU, leaving rank-and-file workers without the COLA every other classification has received.

Data centers (informational)

APCO previewed an informational session on data centers’ permitting and broader regional impacts.

Public comment on appliance rule impacts

A property owner described increased costs and complexity of heat pump water heater retrofits, requesting applicability to new construction only.

Public comment on rulemaking

Public commenters addressed rulemaking timelines and enforcement, urging clear and enforceable rules and noting industry influence in processes.

2026 Legislative Program and SB 222 (Heat Pump Access Act)

The board approved legislative activities for 2026, direction to seek statutory clarity for the Technical Advisory Council and representation population estimates, and confirmed co-sponsorship of SB 222 to streamline heat pump permitting.