EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2023

This year was a year of renewal and change at the Air District. I joined as Executive Officer in February and am joined by a new executive team. This new executive team will help steer our work towards increasing transparency, collaboration, and protection for communities with environmental justice concerns.

Our mission is to significantly reduce the disproportionate levels of air pollution that many communities face and provide clean air for all Bay Area residents. Through the AB 617 Community Health Protection Program and other community-focused programs, we will continue to implement stronger air quality protections for those most impacted. This year, Bayview Hunters Point was adopted as the fourth AB 617 community, joining East Oakland, Richmond-North Richmond-San Pablo, and West Oakland, to receive resources for much-needed air pollution reductions.

Our groundbreaking rule amendments for natural gas furnaces and water heaters will phase out the most polluting appliances in homes and businesses to protect Bay Area residents from the harmful air pollution they cause. Our innovative climate protection programs are funding and supporting cutting-edge technologies and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through our extensive grant programs, communities and businesses can reduce their air quality impacts, upgrade to cleaner technologies, and educate and engage others on air quality and climate improvements.

Two hikers on a mountain trail

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Our mission is to significantly reduce the disproportionate levels of air pollution that many communities face.


As part of our efforts to increase transparency around our enforcement work, we developed an online tool that allows the public to view air quality violations and penalties issued to local facilities. Our ongoing partnerships with environmental justice leaders from around the Bay Area, including through the AB 617 Community Steering Committees and Community Advisory Council, are giving the most impacted communities a leading voice in developing strategies, plans and implementation of on-the-ground improvements in air quality.

Our new Strategic Plan, which will be finalized in late-2024, will guide our agency over the next five years. The plan will be grounded in equity and align with the environmental justice priorities developed by the Community Advisory Council, integrating staff expertise and real-life experiences of communities through shared leadership.

After my first year at the Air District, I am confident that we can achieve our goals based on staff’s and community partners’ dedication and determination to address longstanding air quality and environmental justice issues. I am confident that together we can strengthen our efforts to protect our air, our climate, and our communities.

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Dr. Philip Fine

Executive Officer /Air Pollution Control Officer