Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District

 

Climate Change Activities at APCD      

 

California's Global Warming Solutions Act, signed into law in September, 2006, establishes a framework and timeline for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. The California Air Resources Board is responsible for implementation of this landmark legislation. For more information on activities on the state level, see the state's climate change portal.  APCD has been incorporating climate change in outreach and education programs for several years, and is currently working in a number of additional areas to help prepare the way for the state initiatives.

Greenhouse Gas Inventory Capabilities

APCD is developing capabilities to inventory greenhouse gas emissions in the county, so the district can serve as a resource for cities and businesses who will be working to reduce their emissions, and to meet the new state regulations that will be established under AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act.  APCD does emission inventories for criteria pollutants and air toxics on an annual basis in connection with preparing Clean Air Plans to show how the county will meet air quality standards. While these have not included greenhouse gas emissions in the past, many of the processes and systems used to develop these can be used to prepare greenhouse gas emission inventories. For more information, contact Joe Petrini at 805-961-8894.  

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Thresholds

APCD is working with CAPCOA planning managers to develop greenhouse gas emission thresholds for application in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews of new projects. To view the CAPCOA resource guide released in January 2008, see "CEQA and Climate Change" on this page. For more information, contact Bobbie Bratz at 805-961-8890.

Outreach and Education

APCD incorporates climate change into outreach and education programs as detailed below.

  • Countywide classroom presentations for K-12th grades and college classes feature lessons on our atmosphere, air pollution, global climate change, and what we can do to make a difference. To view classroom presentations, see this page.
  • APCD booths at community events include games with the Wheel of Change illustrating climate change concepts, and demonstrations of new energy technologies. See pictures of the Wheel of Change on this page. See also how climate change concepts are incorporated in special community initiatives, including "Do Your Part on Earth Day - Ride FREE on MTD" on this page.
  • APCD provides grants for county teachers, awarded through the County Education Office, to develop curricula incorporating lessons on our atmosphere, air pollution, and global climate change. See examples of recent teacher grants on this page.
  • APCD incorporates climate change concepts into its award-winning eco-tourism partnership Santa Barbara Car Free by encouraging visitors to reduce their CAR-bon footprints. See info on the Santa Barbara Car Free website.

For more information, contact Mary Byrd at 805-961-8833.