Pico Rivera adopts Climate Action Plan; council cites air‑quality outreach during fires

The Pico Rivera City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 28 to adopt the city’s Climate Action Plan and a related negative declaration, approving the item 5–0 after brief council discussion about air quality outreach during recent fires.

Mayor Pro Tem Camacho made the motion to adopt the plan, seconded by Council member Laura; the roll call vote was 5–0. City staff said the plan will position Pico Rivera to pursue grants and other funding to reduce particulate matter exposure and other greenhouse‑gas reduction measures.

Council discussion focused on air‑quality notification and short‑term steps taken during recent fires. Council member Dr. Sanchez asked how the city notifies residents about high particulate levels; staff replied that the city posted Air Quality Management District (AQMD) notifications on social media, closed park facilities when particulates were elevated and increased public outreach to protect vulnerable populations such as seniors. Staff also said adopting the Climate Action Plan will help the city pursue grants to provide household air‑quality measures such as HEPA purifiers.

City staff identified the Climate Action Plan as a tool to address future particulate reductions in new projects and to strengthen the city’s ability to obtain grants for mitigation measures. A city staff member noted that after adoption Pico Rivera would be one of a small number of cities in the region with an adopted climate action plan, which staff said could help with regional grant competitiveness.

No amendments or additional funding were approved as part of the item; the council approved adoption of the plan itself and directed staff to pursue implementation steps and potential grant opportunities.