See what's happening in your Air District

In this edition of Air Aware:

Message from the APCO
Wildfire and Smoke Information
$3.76 million awarded for projects through Carl Moyer, FARMER, U.S. EPA TAG, and CAP Incentives 2023 Solicitation
Low-Dust Harvester Replacement Program
Commercial Lawn and Garden Program
Regional #SpareTheAir Program runs through October 31st
Looking Ahead

A Message from Gretchen Bennitt, Executive Director/APCO

I am pleased to share that our team at the Air District is working hard to provide incentive funding for projects benefitting our residents, farmers, and small businesses through the recent funding award from the 2023 Solicitation and the new incentive programs in development. The upcoming Commercial Lawn and Garden Program provides vouchers to reduce the cost of replacing gas or diesel-powered landscaping equipment helping our schools, cities, county parks, recreation departments, and commercial landscaping businesses to switch to zero-emission equipment. We are also working with the Yolo County Sustainability Commission to develop an electric UTV incentive program, a need that was identified by our agricultural community. The importance of strong community partnerships and collaboration with public agencies and businesses in the District and our regional neighbors has never been more important than now. We must all work together to protect and improve the air quality in our communities and in the Sacramento region.

I also want to acknowledge the unexpected passing of Yolo County Supervisor Gary Sandy. Supervisor Sandy served on the District Board of Directors beginning in January 2019. It was a privilege to know and work with him. He served on the Technical Review and the Yolo Clean Air Funds committees, where he was instrumental in awarding grant funding for projects and programs aimed at reducing mobile source emissions in Yolo County.

Wildfire and Smoke Information

TIPS FOR WILDFIRE/SMOKE IMPACTS

Residents and businesses can find helpful tips on preparing for wildfire season and what to do during a wildfire/smoke event on the District website at www.ysaqmd.org/wildfire. District social media channels offer updates and information during these events. Follow YoloSolanoAir on Facebook and Twitter, and Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District on Nextdoor. Make sure you are registered to receive air quality alerts through EnviroFlash.

STAY INFORMED DURING AN EMERGENCY

Yolo County and Solano County residents can sign-up to receive up-to-date emergency information for where they live by registering for texts, phone calls, or emails from their County Office of Emergency Services (see links below). Some local police departments also have local alerts (Nixle, Everbridge, etc.). Visit your city website to learn more.

EnviroFlash: https://www.enviroflash.info/signup.cfm. Register for daily air quality emails, or choose to receive air quality alerts on action days only.

YoloAlert: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085611271/new. Register for emergency notifications in Yolo County.

AlertSolano: https://solanocounty.com/depts/oes/alertsolano/information.asp . Register for emergency notifications in Solano County.

Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution (PM2.5) Found in Wildfire Smoke

PM 2.5 is typically found in wildfire smoke and is also the main pollutant during the winter when residents are using fireplaces and older wood stoves. PM2.5 is dangerous because it can bypass the body's defenses and cause serious health problems, including, coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes. Use this chart to help guide your outdoor activity based on forecast and real-time AQI when smoke is present. (click chart on left to enlarge)

$3.76 Million Awarded for 2023 Incentives Solicitation

The District is excited to announce 27 projects were selected for funding from the 2023 Solicitation. Funding for this year's Incentives Solicitation was provided through the Carl Moyer, Funding for Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER), Community Air Protection (CAP) Incentives, and U.S. EPA Targeted Airshed Grant (TAG) programs. Projects were selected at the District's first live random draw held on July 7, 2023. Projects that will receive funding include tractor replacements and a low-dust harvester.

Want to know when the next solicitation will open? Sign-up for email notifications about District Incentive Programs and Information here.

Projects in Priority Populations Receive $2.28 Million

The 2023 Solicitation was the first year that included funding from the CAP Incentives program. The CAP Program's goal is to identify and implement projects that will have an immediate impact and improve air quality within priority communities. A total of 17 projects were awarded funding through CAP, Moyer, and FARMER programs in priority communities throughout the District. Five projects are located within SB 535 Disadvantaged Communities, and 12 projects are located in Low-income Communities as identified by AB 1550. A complete list of CAP project applications received and funded can be found here.

We need your input to determine future project funding! Share your air quality concerns and priority projects for your community. Visit the CAP Incentives webpage to complete the survey.

Low-Dust Harvester Replacement Program

This recently launched incentive program is currently accepting applications to reduce the purchase cost of replacement low-dust harvesting equipment. Funding is provided by the US EPA TAG program.

The goal of the program is to provide incentives for businesses to purchase cleaner equipment to reduce particulate matter (PM) emitted within the District and the Sacramento Federal PM2.5 Nonattainment Area. Learn more about the program and apply at https://www.ysaqmd.org/incentives/low-dust-harvester-replacement-program/.

Commercial Lawn and Garden Program -

With $700,000 in funding from the Carl Moyer State Reserve (Year 24) Program, the District is launching this new voucher based incentive program to replace commercial-grade gas- or diesel-powered lawn and garden equipment with a commercial-grade, battery-operated electric version. Eligible equipment and maximum voucher amounts are provided in the chart below. Maximum funding per voucher is $40,000.

Visit ysaqmd.org/incentives/commercial-lawn-and-garden for program information and to apply once the program opens.

Equipment Type	Maximum Voucher Amount
Chainsaws, Trimmers, Edgers, & Brushcutters Including charging cable & additional batteries	$700
Leaf Blowers & Vacuums Including charging cable & additional batteries	$1,400
Walk Behind Lawn Mowers Including charging cable & additional batteries	$1,500
Ride-on or Stand/Sit Mowers Including charging cable & additional batteries	$15,000

Regional #SpareTheAir Program runs through October 31st

Don't forget to help #SpareTheAir this summer when hot, sunny days contribute to ozone formation. The program runs from May 1 - October 31 in coordination with the other air districts in the Sacramento Region. The program encourages residents and businesses to drive less when a SpareTheAir alert is issued in an effort to reduce vehicle emissions, which contribute to ozone levels. A SpareTheAir alert is called on days when the ozone is forecast to reach or go above 126. Make sure to receive SpareTheAir alerts by registering for EnviroFlash at ysaqmd.org/transportation/spare-the-air/.

Looking Ahead:

District staff is busy working on these programs and upcoming events:

New Electric UTV Incentive Program collaboration with Yolo County Sustainability Program
New Heat-pump Incentive program
Come see us at the Woodland Growers and Farmworkers Festival (10/6)

YOLO-SOLANO AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

1947 Galileo Court, Suite 103, Davis, CA 95618

Phone: 530-757-3650 | Fax: 530-757-3670 | www.ysaqmd.org