FAIRFIELD -- The U.S. EPA this week announced that the Southwest Region had met the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone by the 2024 deadline.
The announcement was made during an event Thursday at the Folsom City Hall courtyard.
The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, which includes Vacaville, Dixon and Rio Vista, is part of the Southwest Region.
"Congratulations to the Sacramento metropolitan area for successfully meeting the 2008 ozone standard by the 2024 deadline," EPA Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook said at the event.
"This is an achievement that will bring numerous health benefits to communities across the region. I am so pleased to see multiple air districts coming together to accomplish this result," Cook added. "Achieving attainment not only brings cleaner air for residents, but spares businesses from additional regulatory burdens and secures continued eligibility for future federal funding for vital transportation and infrastructure projects."
The EPA confirmed, based on certified air quality data from 2022 to 2024, the region has reduced ground-level ozone, meeting the 2008 standard by the 2024 deadline.
"The benefits of attainment include cleaner air for residents, helping businesses avoid additional regulatory requirements, less damage to crops and other vegetation, and continued eligibility for federal transportation and infrastructure funding," a statement released by the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District stated.
"The air districts of the Sacramento region will now begin the process of developing a maintenance plan and requesting formal redesignation from the EPA to remove the region's severe nonattainment status."
Congresswoman Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, who represents a small piece of Solano County, also spoke at the event.
Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs, chairman of the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District board, and Air Pollution Control Officer Gretchen Bennitt represented the district at the event. Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District board member and Woodland Councilman Tom Stallard also attended.
"By working together, we've made real progress in reducing air pollution and safeguarding public health for our communities, but our work doesn't stop here," Frerichs said in a statement released by the air district. "Our district, along with the other air districts in the Sacramento region, is focused on advancing creative solutions that meet stronger air quality requirements and protect the well-being of our communities long into the future."
The Placer County Air Pollution Control District, Feather River Air Quality Management District and the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District are also part of the region.