[{"_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",6429051,"mediaKeyId","5880448-fa03539989812fd683b13a5168fdb1fd","parentId",5880448,"title","Air district studies leaded avgas at Sacramento Executive Airport; to add portable monitoring after further site review","audioSeconds",2612,"startMs",1318000,"endMs",3930000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5880448-fa03539989812fd683b13a5168fdb1fd&start=1318&end=3930","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5880448-fa03539989812fd683b13a5168fdb1fd/thumbnail_1318000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6429051/Sacramento-County/California/Air-district-studies-leaded-avgas-at-Sacramento-Executive-Airport-to-add-portable-monitoring-after-further-site-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429051-f240f9a3ccd4e792559501bc5c3c8067/orig.mp4?Expires=1775542831&Signature=P8EQQkRQL9xyDsR73Qz27GJW7AH25qkaNRuh3rapDjjFBAgAdz6lHce0fXWKIvCSquVIqGDESSAFLVArBhhkLe40vwoIARZ77SX~uH9tDX3E5Cb~7uhx3hl3OXwYmXVR8r8jXH~vVwL83GgISghG3TRAHXxrKnKJS~AwFxHh054e0PlX4OlwwQJwZZoqiM9ZFMhgoPKzy2trRUqzc0dJad31eaQUKtE~nTi6emTJ-KaxPr0EePMv3w5eg7-rAiuV19DZ13M-4mR9W7aFko9~Q0vjHcqhW~QCA6V89oi~kK7DoPr2JIgu3ph0UQ69Jt1UHcdS6ZAG-3V6E~EARjWztg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","County of Sacramento","date","2025-10-06T16:36:15Z","article","The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District received a staff briefing Sept. 25 on lead in aviation gasoline (avgas) with a focus on Sacramento Executive Airport and nearby communities.

Amy Roberts, division director for engineering and compliance at the district, said the agency prepared a white paper at the air pollution control officer’s request to summarize the national, state and local status of leaded aviation fuel and its potential impacts. “Our communities also care about exposure to different air pollutants such as lead and what can be done to reduce the impacts,” Roberts said.

Regulatory context: Roberts summarized recent federal and state actions. She said a 2023 EPA endangerment finding flagged small‑aircraft avgas as harmful to public health and that the FAA’s 2024 reauthorization act directs restrictions on leaded fuel use by 2030 while preserving existing availability until a safe transition can be certified. Roberts also cited California Senate Bill 1193, which sets a state target date to prohibit sale of leaded avgas by Jan. 1, 2031.

Local emissions and monitoring: Using flight activity and fuel‑use estimates, the district reported that lead emissions from Sacramento Executive Airport were estimated at about 0.5 ton per year, smaller than larger general‑aviation hubs such as Van Nuys. Roberts summarized ambient monitoring results including long‑term data from the Del Paso Manor monitoring station and targeted AB 617 community monitoring; those data sets showed concentrations well below the federal ambient lead standard (0.15 micrograms per cubic meter), with some samples in the observed datasets in the order of 0.004 µg/m3 or lower.

Portable monitoring and site concern: the district plans to locate its portable air monitoring laboratory for a one‑year assessment within the AB 617 community boundaries to capture traffic and airport emissions signals. Several board members expressed concern that the chosen site is adjacent to Mangum Park and the former gun range, historically subject to soil lead contamination. Director Serna and others asked whether monitoring at that location could conflate soil‑borne lead from the remediated gun range with airborne lead from avgas. Janice Lem Snyder of the district’s monitoring, planning and rules division answered that ambient monitoring measures constituents in the air and that additional analysis would be required to apportion sources; she said data analysis techniques could help delineate soil vs. aviation sources.

Board direction and staff commitment: Several directors asked staff for greater certainty before deployment. District Air Pollution Control Officer Dr. Ayala told the board he would pause placement until staff can provide additional analysis and assurances. “I want to give the board assurance that we're not going to place a lab because I share your concern,” Ayala said, and said staff will regroup and report back before any placement.

Fuel availability and transition challenges: Roberts noted technical and market hurdles with a near‑term switchover. She said manufacturers of high‑octane unleaded avgas are pursuing ASTM and related approvals (Swift Fuels has received ASTM designation supporting safety certification processes) but that commercial availability remains limited — Swift Fuels reported supply at a small number of airports. Roberts said the FAA grant assurances tied to federally assisted airports and safety certification processes for aircraft types make an immediate local ban of leaded fuel legally and operationally difficult. She also described examples from other California airports that either banned leaded avgas (drawing FAA complaint) or used incentives and subsidies to encourage early adoption of unleaded options.

What the board will do next: The presentation was a receiving file and no board action to adopt local limits or bans was taken. The board directed staff to continue engaging the community and airport operator, to explore monitoring approaches that can better separate soil versus airborne sources, and to coordinate on permitting and operational steps the airport would need should unleaded avgas be introduced.

Ending: Staff said the district will continue public engagement through the AB 617 steering committee, work with the Department of Airports on transition timing, and return with more analysis on monitoring site selection and data interpretation before the portable lab is deployed.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","AQMD - 9/25/2025","oneSentenceSummary","District staff presented a white paper on leaded aviation fuel, summarized federal and state timelines and local monitoring results, and committed to more analysis before placing a portable monitor near Mangum Park and the Sacramento Executive Airport.","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},6429054,"Air District extends contract to sustain community electric car‑share program",1128,185000,1313000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5880448-fa03539989812fd683b13a5168fdb1fd&start=185&end=1313","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5880448-fa03539989812fd683b13a5168fdb1fd/thumbnail_185000.jpg","/articles/6429054/Sacramento-County/California/Air-District-extends-contract-to-sustain-community-electric-carshare-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429054-112528f8901e976ebe05486dbe498cd3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775542831&Signature=oJNNJtIQHAVJioA8q7t3c08M~QBCh2ZsIShBIxlRGtp6Q4znoVDmoZyIalNB7yoRqJq0GrEwt1B4wOTOCL96wyhKyh2ipeLfjTw1QedBkfgOmUcl9~aHvuSjWT7fZJpMKZFXumNS37krfwFikvIHN2-rsJ-oWsRMWjhAgqRh5Dd0MpXFlagLrCUSb7uVtUrNQf0WDTsXlUR0aL2kJvjHNGTaBxUkpSTnk9E1hqseK~BW5cAbT4LxG8COCiIJGQ97VdJ00KJTyABYqDs6Usq3wKWoMmXSkdazY1qmjhIs2hLDnaVYQgrdL42s1EKhYpy01p7w9ZpJHq6fjPflNtIWKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District board on Sept. 25 approved a staff recommendation to extend and increase contract authority so the district can continue operating its zero‑emission community car‑share program.

The vote came after a presentation from Paul Philly, program manager for transportation and climate change at the district, who described the program’s role in reducing mobile‑source emissions and providing essential travel options. “Mobile sources are the largest form of emissions and pollution in the Sacramento Valley,” Philly told the board, adding that the district has a responsibility under state health and safety code to support clean fuels and vehicle‑use reduction measures.

The approval allows the executive director to extend existing service contracts and raise the contract amount; funding for the current program period comes from a state grant and other partner sources. The board passed the motion by roll call (recorded as unanimously in favor by the directors present). No individual mover or seconder was named on the public record.

Why it matters: district staff said community car share (referred to in the presentation as OCCS) targets access for low‑income residents and complements transit and other mobility programs. Philly said the program began in 2017 centered on affordable‑housing sites and later expanded to Del Paso Heights and unincorporated Sacramento County. He said the program has shifted from largely grant‑funded free rides to a hybrid model with public hourly fees intended to increase fiscal sustainability while preserving subsidized access for qualifying residents.

Program details and results: Philly presented quarter‑by‑quarter electric vehicle miles traveled (EVMT) showing a pandemic dip and a recovery after the district introduced cost sharing. He said the program reached roughly 45,000 EVMT in the most recent quarter and that the system could hit 1,000,000 zero‑emission miles by November. The district waived membership fees for low‑income users, offered eight free starter hours, created a community representative rides program, and partnered with nonprofit and local agency partners for eligibility screening and outreach.

Partners and funding: Philly said the program uses multiple funding sources: state funds administered by the California Air Resources Board, federal funds through SACOG, and California Energy Commission grants tied to local EV infrastructure programs. Director Hume asked whether CARB funding includes federal dollars; Philly replied that funding currently comes from state (CARB), SACOG (federal), and CEC sources. The District staff said current contract funding was secured through July 2027.

Public comment and workforce connections: Cameron Belton, manager of the Green Tech Mobility Hub in Del Paso Heights, told the board the hub also functions as a training site. “We’ve been able to train 16 to 24 year olds on the importance of ... workforce development,” Belton said, and reported the hub has trained “at least 46” people in workforce programs tied to EV charger installation and maintenance.

Board discussion and next steps: Directors praised the presentation and the district’s coordination with partners. Vice Chair Maple highlighted the program’s regional relevance and international interest in Sacramento’s mobility work; Director Maple also asked to continue outreach and follow‑up reporting. The staff noted plans to work with the City of Sacramento on EV infrastructure and with program operators to convert some formerly gated sites to public locations to increase use and revenue.

Vote at a glance: the board approved the staff recommendation to grant the executive director authority to extend the contract and increase the amount (motion recorded on the public record with a roll‑call “aye” by Chair Aquino and directors who responded during the roll call). The motion passed and staff will return with any required contract documents and implementation details.

Ending: Staff said they will continue to monitor program metrics and fiscal sustainability and will coordinate with city and regional partners to expand sites and infrastructure. The board did not attach additional conditions to the extension during the Sept. 25 meeting.","The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District board approved staff authority to extend and increase contract funding to continue the district’s zero‑emission community car‑share program, citing ridership growth and efforts to make the service financially sustainable while retaining low‑income access.",{"_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},6429050,"District highlights hydrogen locomotive pilot and pending bill on agricultural burning",228,4162000,4390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5880448-fa03539989812fd683b13a5168fdb1fd&start=4162&end=4390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5880448-fa03539989812fd683b13a5168fdb1fd/thumbnail_4162000.jpg","/articles/6429050/Sacramento-County/California/District-highlights-hydrogen-locomotive-pilot-and-pending-bill-on-agricultural-burning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429050-597a316f1a56b051e4efc0458129a72e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775542831&Signature=k9VAIcdZnu1SexD-CqxILbbd2moIb5IfbF~AyHruuou~UeR98BGy2wEJpm79rsmAirK0N~7SOzMfoqibsY4kFLVvAtF4-o9AfiKY-dZecEHB6Mk6pjNyM2jLXjsORnQKN6l53~XYNEfshDlIET2vlXwuMoad2cMg23sEQuy0VkQIkIwTfZjL0uUJx5BqMWAcpmbwI2HrOFCDga90NzyowIgIz38U5cAE3O3d7rRk67IHmi2B1A8gPCXg4AaclLzC41Y~tmnlQqMwXsooe8AYpGfye~mJ4PT4myFJgraEKiB7Fxo133hY7NJRH6CVOWOejrH~SYqWHjR9ijDBDqwIrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff reported on a pair of climate‑focused developments during the administrative report: a hydrogen locomotive demonstration and a pending state bill addressing agricultural burning.

Hydrogen locomotive pilot: staff described a ribbon‑cutting earlier in September for the first hydrogen fuel‑cell switcher locomotive in operation in the United States. The district said it provided $5 million from the California Energy Commission for the first unit and subsequently secured $15 million from CalSTA for three additional locomotives and related track work, bringing the pilot to four locomotives. Staff noted that each hydrogen switcher reduces NOx emissions by about 3 tons per year — roughly comparable to removing about 2,000 cars from the region — and that the units match diesel power and capability while producing lower noise and zero tailpipe emissions. A director asked about onboard hydrogen storage; staff answered that hydrogen storage is onboard and integrated with the fuel‑cell stack.

Pending legislation on agricultural burning: staff also briefed the board on a cosponsored bill (referred to at the meeting as SB 88) that would support alternatives to agricultural and forest biomass burning, require interagency coordination, and improve emissions tracking. The bill had passed both houses and was with the governor for signature; staff noted the governor’s signing deadline was Oct. 12. No board action was requested at the Sept. 25 meeting.

Ending: District staff supplied the board with these informational updates and did not request action on either topic at the Sept. 25 meeting.","The district reported a ribbon‑cutting for a hydrogen‑fuel‑cell switcher locomotive and new grants to expand the pilot, and briefed the board on a cosponsored bill to address agricultural burning and biomass alternatives that is awaiting the governor’s signature.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Air district studies leaded avgas at Sacramento Executive Airport; to add portable monitoring after further site review

Air District extends contract to sustain community electric car‑share program

District highlights hydrogen locomotive pilot and pending bill on agricultural burning