On Thursday, July 29, California Air Resources Board approved the Community Emissions Reduction Program (CERP) to improve air quality in the City of Stockton. In 2017, California State Assembly Bill 617 (AB 617) mandated emissions reductions in disadvantaged neighborhoods, and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (ValleyAir) has worked with a Stockton Community Steering Committee to develop plans targeted to reduce emissions. Over the next four years, $32 million will be invested in programs and projects to improve air quality in Stockton.

Priorities were established by the Stockton Community Steering Committee with ValleyAir to identify sources of community air pollution and develop strategies and projects that can be implemented by local agencies, including the City of Stockton, San Joaquin County, and the San Joaquin Council of Governments. City representatives participated to ensure priorities align with the City’s General Plan, Climate Action Plan and Sustainable Neighborhoods Plan.

Stockton ranks in the top 5% most disadvantaged communities in California and is above the 90th percentile in Particulate Matter at 2.5 PM, creating multiple health and socioeconomic factors, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, low birthweight, low educational attainment, poverty, and unemployment.

The project area within the City of Stockton is approximately 16 square miles with a population of 132,000 residents, extending from Harding Way (north), Ralph Avenue (south), Navy Drive (west), and Highway 99 (east). Recommended priorities include:

  • Vegetative Barriers
  • Urban Greening
  • Home weatherization, solar, air filtration
  • Residential lawn and garden equipment
  • Commercial lawn and garden equipment
  • Bike paths and infrastructure
  • Drive clean vehicle replacement
  • Electric Vehicle charging stations
  • Truck re-route study
  • Incentives to replace wood burning devices

Priorities for other agencies in San Joaquin County include a car share program, school air filtration, zero emission heavy duty trucks, job training programs, truck idling switches, and locomotive switchers.

ValleyAir is continuing work with the Stockton Community Steering Committee to implement the approved plan. All meetings are held online and open to the public. To stay informed, sign up for AB 617 updates specific to Stockton. For additional information, please visit ValleyAir.org. Information will be shared at www.stocktonca.gov/CleanAir as programs and projects are implemented.