Supported by The Climate Center

AB 650 (Arambula) San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District board

Fresno Skyline

Existing law authorizes the Board of the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District District, composed of 15 members, including 5 city council members, to require the use of best available control technology, promote the use of clean fuels, encourage and facilitate ridesharing, and require businesses to establish rideshare programs, as provided.

This bill would:

  • Increase the term of office for the city council district members to 4 years from 3 years;
  • Increase the term of office for the public member with medical or scientific expertise in the health effects of air pollution to 4 years from 3 years;
  • Add 4 public members to the Board, appointed by the Governor to serve 4-year terms.
    • Of these 4, one member would be from a California Native American tribe chosen from a list of candidates submitted by local tribal organizations with a presence within the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin, and 3 members would be appointed with the advice and consent of the Speaker of the Assembly;
    • Of those 3, two would be required to have subject matter expertise in environmental justice or social justice issues and to be selected from a list submitted by nonprofit organizations that have a presence within the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin, and one would be required to be a youth member that is a resident of the County of Fresno or Madera, to be between 18 and 26 years of age, and to be selected from a list submitted by either a youth-serving nonprofit organization or an institution of higher education, as specified.
  • Beginning January 1, 2024, but excluding Board membership held prior to January 1, 2024, this bill would make a member whose appointed terms span a total of 8 or more years ineligible for appointment.

Committee Location: Held in Assembly Local Government Committee April 26.

Full bill text and related information.

Bill Author