Bill would allow qualified alternates on San Diego County Air Pollution Control District board

Assemblymember Alvarez presented Assembly Bill 652 to authorize a framework for appointing qualified alternates to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) governing board. The measure would allow each appointing authority to designate alternates who meet the same qualifications as regular members and who could serve, vote and receive compensation when regular members are absent or disqualified.

Why it matters: The author said the inability to appoint alternates has produced quorum and representation problems at the district, sometimes stalling decision making on air quality issues and under‑representing public members such as environmental specialists and environmental justice advocates.

Support testimony: A representative from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District read a letter of support and noted the district’s appreciation for amendments that removed a proposed tie‑breaking and city selection committee language. The city of San Diego said it remained supportive of the amended bill despite disappointment about the removal of an equitable tiebreak provision. Several local groups and the SDAPCD urged the committee's support.

Opposition testimony: Kayleen Halbeck, representing the Motorcycle Industry Council, registered opposition unless amended.

Committee discussion: Members expressed general support for addressing governance gaps but some said they reserved the right to change their vote depending on floor amendments. The author asked for an aye vote once quorum was present. The committee later recorded the measure as passed out of committee for referral to Local Government.

Ending: AB 652 was framed by the author as a narrowly tailored fix to preserve board continuity and qualifications while maintaining public accountability.