U.S. EPA Designates San Joaquin Valley in Attainment for 1997 Air Quality Standard

Late last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their Federal Register notice that the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (Air District) had met the attainment requirements for the 1997 24-hour PM 2.5 Standard.  The standard established that regions must meet a monitor limitation of 65 micrograms per cubic meter in a 24-hour period, over 3 years of continuous monitoring. Between 2022 and 2024, the Valley Air District met the PM 2.5 concentration requirement, validated through continuous air monitoring system.  

This achievement is a result of the numerous incentive programs, and rules on stationary sources, that have been implemented on Valley businesses in order to reduce their emissions footprint. Incentive programs such as the AG-ICE pump engine replacement program, the FARMER program which provides incentives for growers replacing existing tractors with lower emitting technology, as well as the Alternatives to Ag Burn program which incentivized growers to chip and incorporate orchard and vineyard material have helped lower the emissions associated with agricultural operations. While this accomplishment should be celebrated, it demonstrates the difficulties in achieving tightening standards.  For context, a new PM 2.5 standard was established in 2024, setting a new target for the 24-hour PM 2.5 standard at 9 micrograms per cubic meter. While there is still progress to be made, this is a significant achievement in air quality in the Valley.