Who's Responsibility Is Clean Air?

The responsibility to regulate air quality in the state is divided between the state Air Resources Board (ARB) and 35 local air districts. This report evaluates whether the current allocation of responsibilities between the state and the locals is appropriate. It also reviews the implementation of stationary source pollution programs by the local districts and examines the effectiveness of the state's oversight of these programs. LAO Findings: In general, the current division of responsibility between the state board and the local air districts is appropriate. However, it may be more effective for the state, rather than each individual air district, to adopt rules for particular stationary sources of pollution. The state has an interest in ensuring that locally administered air quality programs are implemented effectively in order to achieve the state's air quality goals. However, ARB's review of local programs--a statutory mandate--is minimal. As a result, problems such as inconsistent and not fully effective local enforcement have developed without ARB taking timely corrective action.