[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6659769,"mediaKeyId","2445690-5f660a7ed59aa37b2d66bef26f457cfb","parentId",2445690,"title","District outlines biomass‑to‑hydrogen pilot and EcoMode proposal as part of ag‑waste alternatives push","audioSeconds",1105,"startMs",2638000,"endMs",3743000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2445690-5f660a7ed59aa37b2d66bef26f457cfb&start=2638&end=3743","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2445690-5f660a7ed59aa37b2d66bef26f457cfb/thumbnail_2638000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6659769/Sacramento-County/California/District-outlines-biomasstohydrogen-pilot-and-EcoMode-proposal-as-part-of-agwaste-alternatives-push","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659769-979013e247b460a82281f2c79f8d99d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200633&Signature=CNnF7Lp~HOwS10DBYKCysLYQhe8F-NtzUiDB1fIUnXpEyVRhyqUo3Gb3x9Y3PzWfTRNoZwGU7QP31bihH97xd7zIVhTVULb-mkbU2v5pTXjnjuv61GKRl-IXud9qIhr1BPXkY7F-mLBPrFtAFvLonHnQjRdQ6lbpsKayEgjMk2sUVuGbkzHsxIz6UA7q-55HLdhT2rtV8ssOBSN0bfMp0KTIRZL1YsBaBKRpjA0tYbaj-1PqYh5zagNlL5SsQoQEnwicyNkjhXf3jJFXiiwRpg4H-5q~2aqHAO9LzVGeCQ-zfgwbo21zCtfovZKxDWvKiFPw-Ig6InSfpejIvDLIPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sacramento County","date","2025-02-28T16:08:49.493Z","article","The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District received a multi‑part briefing on March 2 about emerging opportunities to convert agricultural and forest biomass into energy, fuels and byproducts including hydrogen and biochar.

Amy Roberts of the Air District summarized the rationale: converting ag waste and woody biomass into higher‑value products can reduce pile burning, lower particulate and NOx emissions, reduce wildfire risk and create renewable fuel feedstocks. Roberts said the Northern Sacramento Valley produces large annual tonnages of woody and agricultural biomass and urged the board to consider those materials as a “resource” rather than waste.

Roberts noted state legislative activity related to biomass utilization, identifying SB 88 as part of the policy landscape; she deferred detailed statutory discussion to the Air Pollution Control Officer. Jaime Lemos, the district’s Director of Transportation and Climate Change, outlined logistical, permitting and feedstock challenges and introduced private developers engaged in a proposed first project in Sacramento County.

Jeff Dershey, CEO of EcoModev, and Steve Rambaugh, CEO of WindBridge Energy (co‑founder and head of development for the EcoMode proposal), described a planned small‑scale biomass gasification facility and hydrogen fueling station off Twin Cities Road near Highway 5 in southern Sacramento County. The developers said the plant would use a non‑combustion gasification/pyrolysis process to convert woody biomass and agricultural residues into syngas, produce biochar for sequestration or filtration, and refine hydrogen for on‑site dispensing to light, medium and heavy‑duty vehicles. Dershey said the first phase would produce about 500 kilograms of hydrogen per day with planned scale‑ups, and estimated initial annual biochar sequestration of more than 10,000 tons of CO2 equivalent (presenters described this as sequestration via biochar and later CO2 capture in later phases).

Presenters emphasized co‑benefits: local hydrogen fueling infrastructure to support truck fleets, reduced open burning, and potential local jobs. They also described outreach to nearby landowners and early coordination with local fire officials. Board members questioned feedstock sourcing, economics and siting: Director Dickinson and Director Hume asked how much material would come from Sacramento County orchards versus outside counties; developers said a majority could be sourced locally but acknowledged logistics and seasonal supply are significant constraints. Director Sander pressed on economics and said farmers often find burning or low‑cost disposal the cheapest immediate option; EcoMode representatives said their model offers farmers lower removal costs and that hydrogen produced from biomass could be cheaper per kilogram than current retail station prices if scaled.

No board action or formal approvals were taken. Directors and staff discussed next steps including continued outreach, permitting pathways (CEQA and local land use), and coordination with Basinwide Control Council advocacy work and state policy discussions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","AQMD - 2/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Air Quality Management District heard an overview of agricultural biomass utilization options and a presentation of the EcoMode biomass‑to‑hydrogen project planned off Twin Cities Road; board members discussed feedstock logistics, co‑benefits, permitting and workforce advantages.","taxTitle","Sacramento County, California","taxId",2889,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6659774,"Air district details intern and fellowship program aimed at building regional air‑quality workforce",1005,1611000,2616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2445690-5f660a7ed59aa37b2d66bef26f457cfb&start=1611&end=2616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2445690-5f660a7ed59aa37b2d66bef26f457cfb/thumbnail_1611000.jpg","/articles/6659774/Sacramento-County/California/Air-district-details-intern-and-fellowship-program-aimed-at-building-regional-airquality-workforce","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659774-b39f5277a51b46c2b2353f24a66dbfbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200633&Signature=Ryo8I-OK4BHd6FeWl65SBPrawsr9kSXAeLPV8G~8G5zqgX8W4KA6rLNkwl6Ua71mqOzizA3EZ6F1NZH5AKHXHIfbaS5e3yASW0FEFKtmGH3Fxm~xFFsERKU7~RzpJGwV8pgIeOQcfKGC5EaQufo5b6YjKxk9yLmf16mFQoe59v9~ivuQMgAtnnWzBk08nWjBCVLt24unuhM9v4yDIq2l4N8aBlwzUcNL950gkAyt2e6XfMX19iDxrDAOkFAWh2kqF4ZUEyJoMUmRWsu6sEfRenztOLlCqQoDBciinA7MNiMhkLisDy-UdfORNhSsPoNRqIvA0OHzkP3sYn3wqthJvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Megan Shepherd, director of Administrative Services for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, told the board the agency runs an intern and fellowship program that places students in climate, monitoring and community projects and that the district invests roughly $150,000 annually in the effort.

Shepherd said the program supports about five student interns and two fellows a year and partners with institutions such as Sacramento State, UC Davis, CivicSpark, Cristo Rey and local high schools. The district emphasizes deliverables and mentorship, and Shepherd said nearly 10 percent of the agency’s current full‑time staff started as interns or fellows.

Directors used the presentation to discuss workforce development tied to the clean‑energy transition. Vice Chair Tara Maple and Director Guerra highlighted the importance of pairing internships with job training for electric‑vehicle maintenance, electricians and other trades as the region converts to low‑emission technologies. Jaime Lemos, the district’s Director of Transportation and Climate Change, said the agency coordinates with partners including SMUD, SACOG and Valley Vision to identify training gaps and to design apprenticeship paths — for example, to address a shortage of electricians needed to install EV chargers.

Board members asked for more detail on total program alumni and how the district publicizes opportunities; Shepherd and staff said they would provide application windows and additional outreach details for board members to share with constituents. There was no formal board action on the presentation.","The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District described a modest but active intern and fellowship program that places students in hands‑on projects and partners with local universities and workforce organizations; directors discussed expanding training for clean‑tech careers.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6659778,"Sacramento County-funded vehicle emissions study finds localized pollution hotspots, strong community concern",765,142000,907000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2445690-5f660a7ed59aa37b2d66bef26f457cfb&start=142&end=907","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2445690-5f660a7ed59aa37b2d66bef26f457cfb/thumbnail_142000.jpg","/articles/6659778/Sacramento-County/California/Sacramento-County-funded-vehicle-emissions-study-finds-localized-pollution-hotspots-strong-community-concern","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659778-5c5f98ebe12d5c09d94823a6e385a2e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200633&Signature=IwbcSnAMmM4ag6w-7UR3wTBAtrb5q4kUrg~5vonTgzyrp179gezE4ElbT8m-Ns6llWXAcJqwgNDDaRCLTPVX2WNdSC69tjWq8aZTc6NU5NyiFmCEyEjU1H8Sn-H94pG0GvoRAoLytU8AV9caD~pKi3apPvKVJ7i9ZMP0qi87CN3Kpz0kVhf7WrrBSm7n0glk~pPbficmz4UpAyK4oUk7uGAfeNyqzNQ62qzYOgdLdVFa76BmNjXFhZVQVul21cS-ZTKq6UbUUSlXNA8I66CJY7sUu7IiUkP3W6zui~XD0AdIWmeDZuNqj-0uUZL9fkTmPIwVORhvUyGg72iJTL2pOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District on March 2 heard results from a Sacramento County–funded Sacramento Vehicle Emissions Project that paired community surveys with mobile air monitoring and outreach in five priority environmental justice neighborhoods.

Project leaders said the two‑and‑a‑half year effort combined community-based monitoring, education and health surveys focused in North Vineyard, West Arden‑Arcade, North Sacramento, South Sacramento and Gardenland‑Northgate. Richard Falcone of United Latinos, who introduced partners at the March meeting, said the project sought to engage residents directly and make local data available to communities and government.

The project team reported surveying more than 1,200 residents overall, with roughly 500 responses from the four focused EJ neighborhoods. Elizabeth Savin of SAC Breathe summarized county‑level survey findings and said about half of respondents wanted to learn more or take action on air pollution; roughly 20 percent reported an emergency‑room visit in the past year for allergy or asthma symptoms and about 30 percent reported clinic or doctor visits for similar symptoms. Savin read a participant anecdote: “I have asthma, really bad asthma. I needed this so much but the air purifiers are so expensive … I will breathe better in my home.”

Wayne Linklauder, who led the mobile monitoring work for Sacramento State, said teams of trained undergraduates used distributed sensors and a toxic‑metal aerosol real‑time analyzer to collect 20– to 30‑minute samples at hundreds of sites. He cautioned the mobile sampling was designed to detect spatial variation, not to reproduce regulatory ambient‑air standard monitoring. “We did not measure to air quality standards,” Linklauder told the board; the objective was to identify areas warranting further attention.

Linklauder summarized pollutant patterns: black carbon and carbon monoxide were generally low in most samples; nitrogen oxides (NOx) and PM2.5 routinely exceeded values associated with annual or one‑hour benchmarks at some locations; and airborne heavy metals — including chromium, manganese, magnesium, zinc and copper — were comparatively elevated in parts of North Highlands and West Arden‑Arcade. He recommended continued focus on NOx and PM2.5 and further investigation of airborne metals.

Board members asked questions about scale and messaging. Director Serna and others noted the difference between short‑term mobile sampling and long‑term regulatory network assessments, cautioning that localized “low” readings in short campaigns can be misunderstood when compared with annual nonattainment designations. Director Guerra and others praised the project’s community engagement and emphasized mobile sources remain a major emission contributor. Director Dickinson asked about outreach to neighborhood associations in North Sacramento; project staff said partners such as the Mutual Assistance Network and the Health Education Council supported outreach and offered to provide more specific contact details.

Project partners said they published an executive summary and a journal article and made community reports available online and at events where they distributed air purifiers and other incentives. Presenters urged the board to view the work as a complement to regulatory monitoring — a way to “democratize” local data and to raise community awareness and capacity for future action.

Board members did not take formal action on the project at the meeting.","A two-year county-sponsored project combining community surveys and mobile monitoring found generally low pollutant levels overall but identified hotspots for NOx, PM2.5 and airborne metals in specific neighborhoods and widespread community interest in air-quality information and remedies.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District outlines biomass‑to‑hydrogen pilot and EcoMode proposal as part of ag‑waste alternatives push

Air district details intern and fellowship program aimed at building regional air‑quality workforce

Sacramento County-funded vehicle emissions study finds localized pollution hotspots, strong community concern