California's Legislature established the Air Resources Board (ARB) in 1967 to:
- Attain and maintain healthy air quality.
- Conduct research into the causes of and solutions to air pollution.
- Systematically attack the serious problem caused by motor vehicles, which are the major causes of air pollution in the State.
Since its formation (see a history of ARB), the ARB has worked with the public, the business sector, and local governments to protect the public's health, the economy and the state's ecological resources through the most cost-effective reduction of air pollution.
The Governing Board
The Air Resources Board's eleven members are appointed by the Governor. Five are experts in fields such as medicine, chemistry, physics, meteorology, engineering, business and law. Five others are elected officials who represent regional air pollution control agencies - one each from Los Angeles region, San Francisco Bay area, San Diego, and the San JoaquinValley, and one represents the other districts. The Chairman is the only full-time member.
The Staff
Under the direction of the executive officer, a dedicated staff of scientists, engineers, and other professionals conducts the daily work of the ARB. With headquarters in Sacramento, the ARB also operates a motor vehicle testing and analysis laboratory in El Monte.
What the ARB Does
Programs for cleaner air range from research and regulation to enforcement and education. The ARB:
- Sets and enforces emission standards for motor vehicles, fuels and consumer products.
- Sets health-based air quality standards.
- Conducts research.
- Monitors air quality.
- Identifies and sets control measures for toxic air contaminants.
- Provides compliance assistance for businesses.
- Produces education and outreach programs and materials.
- Oversees and assists local air quality districts which regulate most non-vehicular sources of air pollution.
Soul Ecology has been actively pursue the decision and ruling from the ARB. Please use the following link to learn about the ARB: Air Quality District (AQD)