May Wu, a WRCOG staff analyst, presented the executive committee with an update on environmental programs including a 15-year used oil recycling initiative supported by CalRecycle and a neighborhood pollution-prevention program developed with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District that won a statewide award.

Wu said WRCOG's used-motor-oil program is supported by the CalRecycle Oil Payment Program grant and is in its 15th cycle; staff partnered with 17 member agencies and hosted 30 certified used-oil exchange events in fiscal year 2024-25, typically at AutoZone locations, where the program exchanged more than 2,100 used oil filters. Wu said staff also delivered 28 Ecohero school presentations cohosted with the neighborhood program and reached about 6,000 students.

On the neighborhood program (presented in the agenda and awarded by the California Stormwater Quality Association), Wu described a partnership launched in 2021 with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District focused on trash abatement, hazardous-waste disposal and stormwater pollution prevention. She said the program hosted 15 community events in fiscal year 2024-25; volunteers removed more than 13,900 pounds of trash and more than 1,700 volunteers of all ages participated. WRCOG supplied cleanup materials free of charge and created a scout badge and DIY kits to encourage recurring participation.

Wu told the committee the neighborhood program was recognized at the California Stormwater Quality Association conference for outstanding public outreach and engagement and was highlighted as part of WRCOG's recognition as one of 20 finalists for the National Civic League's All-America City Award in 2025. The presenter credited partnerships with member agencies and the Riverside County Flood Control District for the program's reach.

Committee members from Temecula and Wildomar asked about outreach to schools, libraries and private schools; Wu said Ecohero presentations are open to public and private schools and that WRCOG conducts tabling, presentations and materials distribution through member solid-waste liaisons.

The presentation was "received on file."