Latest news with #AQMD
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions Told Not To Grill, Barbecue
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of people in California have been urged to avoid grilling on Wednesday amid concerns over high air pollution levels. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued an air quality alert due to harmful levels of ozone pollution, covering major urban areas including Los Angeles, Burbank and Pasadena. An Ozone Action Day alert has also been issued in Colorado, covering the city of Denver. Downtown Los Angeles in 2019. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality alert due to harmful levels of ozone pollution on Wednesday. Downtown Los Angeles in 2019. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality alert due to harmful levels of ozone pollution on Wednesday. Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images Why It Matters The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautions that exposure to ozone may irritate the respiratory tract, cause airway inflammation, and aggravate existing conditions like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Vulnerable populations — such as older adults, children, and individuals with lung diseases — are at greater risk. What To Know In California, the AQMD — the air pollution control agency for Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties — issued an ozone advisory spanning most of its jurisdiction. It urged people in affected regions to avoid sources of pollution such as grilling, fireplaces, candles and incense. "Keep windows and doors closed; run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier; do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air if you have other methods to stay cool," it said in a notice published by the NWS. "Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours; try to delay trips to the gas station and the use of household chemicals until the evening." Ozone concentrations are forecast to remain lower in coastal regions, it added. This AQMD map shows the California areas affected by its ozone advisory. This AQMD map shows the California areas affected by its ozone advisory. South Coast AQMD In Colorado, an ozone action day alert is in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Counties affected by the warning include Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld. "Hot and dry weather on Wednesday may allow ozone to reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups in the northern portions of the Front Range region," the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said in a notice published by the NWS. "If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m." The AQI measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 301 and above. 0–50: Good. Air quality is satisfactory. Good. Air quality is satisfactory. 51–100: Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, with potential concerns for sensitive individuals. Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, with potential concerns for sensitive individuals. 101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air quality may affect people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant individuals. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air quality may affect people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant individuals. 151–200: Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and sensitive groups may see more serious effects. Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and sensitive groups may see more serious effects. 201–300: Very Unhealthy. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Very Unhealthy. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. 301 and above: Hazardous. The air quality requires a health warning of emergency conditions, and everyone is more likely to be affected. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham told Newsweek previously: "Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning it's not emitted directly from sources, but is formed through chemical reactions. These reactions require sunlight and higher temperatures, making warmer months more prone to ozone formation. When air is stagnant, pollutants don't get dispersed, allowing ozone to build up to unhealthy levels." The AQMD wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: "OZONE ADVISORY (Monday, July 7 - Thursday, July 10): elevated smog levels expected as high temperatures are predicted to persist through the week." What Happens Next The alert in California is set to remain in force until 8 p.m. local time on Thursday. The warning in Colorado is in force until 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Regular updates are issued by the NWS on its website.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Los Angeles Faces 'Hazardous' Air Quality Amid July 4th Pollution, California's Largest Wildfire Of 2025
Los Angeles and much of Southern California were met with a regional air quality alert on Saturday, following July 4th festivities and the state's largest wildfire of the year. With the Madre Fire expanding to nearly 80,000 acres after igniting on Wednesday in San Luis Obispo County, strong winds have pushed the smoke down to the Los Angeles metropolitan area, where lingering smoke from Independence Day fireworks contributes to 'hazardous' particle pollution levels, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). More from Deadline Trump Administration Reverses Decision To Reject California Wildfire Relief Funding – Update Los Angeles Is No. 1 In Bad Air Quality, New Report Claims Trump Administration Sues Los Angeles Over Refusal To Cooperate With Federal Immigration Crackdown The AQMD's advisory is in effect until 11:59pm on Saturday, applying to Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland Empire. In addition to sparking wildfires, the particle pollution from fireworks 'can lead to a wide variety of cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing or difficulty breathing and may lead to premature death in people with heart or lung disease,' according to the AQMD. Residents are encouraged to limit exposure by remaining indoors with doors and windows closed, avoid rigorous physical activity and run an air conditioner or purifier. As of Saturday evening, the Madre Fire was at 79,936 acres and 10% contained. The cause is still under investigation. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery 'Poker Face' Season 2 Guest Stars: From Justin Theroux To Jason Ritter Remembering Michael Madsen: A Career In Photos
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
More than 320,000 in California Told To Keep Windows Closed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Wildfire smoke in Southern California has prompted officials to issue an air quality alert for roughly 320,000 people until 6 p.m. local time on Monday. A spokesperson with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) told Newsweek the advisory could be extended, and if so, an extension would be issued by Monday afternoon. Why It Matters The smoke is coming from two wildfires, the Wolf fire in Banning Pass and the Mindy fire in the Anza area, the AQMD advisory said. Both fires ignited on Sunday afternoon. As of the most recent update from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Wolf fire in Riverside County is at 1,400 acres and 0 percent contained. The Mindy Fire, also in Riverside County, is at 100 acres and 70 percent contained. What to Know The air quality alert is impacting the cities of Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Palm Desert Country, La Quinta, and Coachella. The most recent U.S. Census data estimates that around 320,000 people live in the impacted areas. Wildfire smoke can cause harmful fine particle pollution levels that affect everyone, the alert said. People are encouraged to take several actions to protect their health against the impacts of smoke: remain indoors with windows and doors closed; avoid intense outdoor physical activity; run the air conditioner and/or an air purifier; wear an N-95 mask if you must spend time outdoors; do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers; avoid other sources of pollution like fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gas-powered equipment. A stock photo shows a helicopter fighting a forest fire. A stock photo shows a helicopter fighting a forest fire. Toa55/Getty "Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing," the alert said. "Everyone can be affected, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk." The air quality alert will remain in place until 6 p.m. local time Monday evening. An extreme heat warning also remains in place for part of Southern California on Monday. Northern California also faces a wildfire threat, with a red flag warning in place. "Lightning from dry thunderstorms can create new fire starts and combined with gusty winds may cause a fire to rapidly grow in Oregon and northern California," a forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) said. What People Are Saying South Coast AQMD in an air quality alert: "Based on webcam and satellite imagery, winds are transporting the smoke from the Wolf and Mindy wildfires to the north into the Banning Pass and San Bernardino mountains, and into the San Jacinto wilderness and Hemet." CAL FIRE in an update about the Wolf Fire: "Firefighters made good progress over night. Multiple aircraft along with hundreds of firefighters on the ground, will continue to establish containment lines. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place." What Happens Next The cause of each fire remains under investigation. Evacuation warnings and orders have been lifted for the Mindy fire but remain in place for the Wolf fire.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Dangerous air quality affects multiple areas of Southern California
As if Southern Californians needed something else to worry about, dangerous air quality is threatening parts of the region. Hazardous air quality has been detected near La Cañada Flintridge and the Angeles National Forest, with very unhealthy air on the borders of that zone and in downtown Los Angeles, Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, and other areas in greater Los Angeles, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The AQMD hasn't pointed to a specific cause, though a few wildfires in Southern California have likely had an impact. It's also possible that, at least in the downtown Los Angeles location, the burning of Waymo vehicles may have played a role. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Regulators seek to phase out gas-powered appliances in Southern California
Southern California's air quality regulators are set to vote this week on new rules aimed at phasing out the sale of gas-powered furnaces and water heaters in the region. The South Coast Air Quality Management District, or AQMD, which covers all of Orange County and large swaths of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, is scheduled to vote Friday on two proposed regulations designed to limit emissions of nitrogen oxides, or NOx — the key pollutants that form smog. If approved, the AQMD's Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 would set zero-emission sales targets for manufacturers, distributors and installers of the appliances beginning in 2027. The targets ramp up over time, beginning with a 30% sales target the first year, increasing to 50% in 2029 and ultimately ending at 90% in 2036. The rules would affect an estimated 10 million units across the region, the majority of which would be in residential properties. The gas-powered appliances would still be available for sale, but manufacturers would be forced to pay surcharges for those units — costs that probably would be passed on to consumers. Officials say the plan is crucial for reducing air pollution and improving public health in the South Coast region, which continues to suffer from the worst smog in the nation and falls far below many federal health-based standards for air quality. "This rule is a really important component of our strategy to clean up the air and be able to meet those health-based standards," said Sarah Rees, deputy executive officer of planning and rules with the AQMD. "We wanted to focus on where there were the biggest chunks of NOx emissions, and space and water heating are actually a fairly significant chunk that's left on the table for us to address." Read more: Los Angeles remains nation's smoggiest city for 25th time in 26 years, despite progress Environmental groups say the rules — nearly two years in the making — are long overdue and should be even more aggressive. But opponents, including gas-appliance manufacturers, fossil fuel companies and some local government and commerce groups, say the measure will strain the electric grid and drive up costs for consumers. Prices for zero-emission units vary and can depend on factors such as the size of the home, local labor and installation costs, and whether electric panel upgrades also are required. The estimated equipment and installation cost of an electric heat pump, for example, is $17,200, compared with $11,000 for a natural gas furnace, according to the AQMD's socioeconomic impact report on the rules. However, because heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, the agency notes that the cost of the electric unit is comparable to the cost of replacing a complete air conditioning and natural gas furnace system, which is about $20,600. Heat pump water heaters are projected to cost an average of $3,700 for equipment and installation, compared with $3,300 for natural gas units, according to the AQMD. State Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) said affordability is one of his primary concerns about the rules. He is urging his constituents to weigh in against them. "Families living paycheck to paycheck can't afford this kind of mandate," Strickland said, adding that the cost of living in California is 42% higher than the national average. "I want to rein in some of these boards, like [the California Air Resources Board, or CARB,] and AQMD, because they are making decisions that are detrimental to the people of California." Officials stressed that the proposal is not a mandate. Although the original iteration of the rules called for an eventual ban on the sale of new gas-powered appliances, the final amended rules call for a slower phase-in of the clean technology that still allows consumers to purchase natural gas units if they wish. But there will be additional fees imposed on manufacturers for the sale of gas-powered units. The fees include an additional $100 for gas-powered furnaces and $50 for gas-powered water heaters, which increase to $500 and $250, respectively, if manufacturers sell more gas units than allowed by their sales target. Fees collected from the penalties will be used to fund an incentive program to help consumers purchase zero-emission appliances, such as electric heat pumps. Read more: Heat pumps cut costs and pollution. So why isn't it easier to install one in California? "It's kind of a weaker policy, but it's still a very important policy," said Adrian Martinez, director of the Right To Zero campaign at the nonprofit Earthjustice. "Because even though it's not as strong of a signal to get to zero-emission appliances, it still is a signal." The potential air quality improvements from the switch to electric are substantial, including an estimated reduction of 6 tons of NOx per day by 2061. By comparison, cars in the region currently emit about 9 tons of NOx per day, Martinez said. NOx isn't only responsible for smog. As a leading source of indoor air pollution, the emissions also have been linked to respiratory infections, increased childhood asthma and other adverse health issues from exposure in homes, particularly those without proper ventilation, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "What we're really talking about here is public health," said Chris Chavez, deputy policy director at the nonprofit Coalition for Clean Air. "The fact is that if you are going to continue choosing to use polluting technology, there are going to be public health impacts — and we're going to be paying for that through asthma attacks, we're going to be paying for that through premature deaths, we're going to be paying for that in hospitalizations, either personally or through our tax dollars." According to the AQMD's impact report, the rules would prevent approximately 2,490 premature deaths, 10,200 cases of newly onset asthma, and 1.17 million days of limited or reduced physical and outdoor activity from 2027 to 2053. More than 14,000 public comments have been submitted to the AQMD in response to the proposal, many of them in opposition. "If these rules are adopted, it is crucial to recognize that consumer choice will be impacted and homeowners and renters, rather than industry, will be the ones forced to reach deep into their pockets to comply with these rules," wrote Kevin Barker, a senior manager with the Southern California Gas Co., in a comment letter to the board. Opponents also expressed concern that the electric appliances will add more strain to the region's aging energy grid— or as one public commenter wrote, "we will face further electric grid brownouts due to the increased electricity use and make life in this state worse than it already is." Rees of the AQMD said the slow ramp-up of the rules should ensure that the grid has enough time to meet demand. The state is working to implement electrification initiatives, and officials at CARB also are moving toward a statewide ban on gas furnaces and water heaters by 2030. And although she has heard the concerns about cost, she said zero-emission technology is more efficient — and thus more cost-effective to run — and will continue to come down in price over time. The incentive program is designed to assist customers who are struggling to meet up-front costs. What's more, she said the plan encourages people to purchase zero-emission appliances only when their current unit breaks or they need a replacement, and that consumers ultimately still have a choice. "It's really about promoting the zero-emission technology and, frankly, following existing market trends," Rees said, noting that electric heat pumps already account for nearly a third of furnace sales in California. "We've worked very hard, we think, to try to craft a regulation that is going to advance adoption of these cleaner technologies but still preserves consumer choice, still allows for cases where it's not affordable or practical for a consumer to adopt these types of equipment, but still get us the emission reductions at the end of the day." Read more: Senate votes to overturn California's landmark ban on new gas-only car sales Still, some advocates said they wish the rules were more aggressive, including several who spoke during the AQMD's most recent board meeting on the matter in May. "This rule, while it's not as strong as we wish it could be, is a step forward," said Jennifer Cardenas, a campaign organizer with the Sierra Club. "You cannot put a price on being able to breathe clean air." Others pointed to the San Francisco Bay Area as an example of what's possible. That region's air quality management district passed its own more stringent version of the rules two years ago, which includes a total ban on the sale of new gas-powered water heaters in 2027 and furnaces in 2029. However, Martinez of Earthjustice noted that NOx is the single-largest category of emissions under the South Coast AQMD's authority, and said that the agency would be remiss not to take action on it. "I think the best assessment is, are we better off with or without the rule?" he said. "Emphatically, all the evidence is showing we're better off with the rule." The public can attend Friday's hearing online or in person at the South Coast AQMD in Diamond Bar. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
