Last week, the Association’s Director of Technical Services Chris McGlothlin was given the opportunity to speak at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s (Air District) Annual Study Session.  The Study Session meeting provides an opportunity for the Air District and stakeholders to strategize on upcoming rules and tightening air emissions regulations.  The event kicked off with a press conference, where McGlothlin highlighted the importance of incentive programs such as the Tractor Trade In program, while emphasizing the current state of the industry.  “The industry is facing the worst commodity prices in the last 5 years, difficult export markets, and tightening regulations across all aspects of the industry.  Even amongst all of these conditions, the agricultural industry goes above and beyond to do its part to meet and exceed emission reduction goals”.  

During the meeting portion, the Air Resources Board (CARB) as well as EPA Region 9 provided updates on compliance plans for various standards.  Both agencies took the time to highlight the Air District’s success in meeting the stringent standards.  A significant amount of credit goes to the ag industry for turning over enough equipment to not only meet the proposed emission reduction requirement, but to do it in a quicker timeframe than a traditional regulatory approach.  Unfortunately, many Valley businesses face an uphill battle with the recently passed 2024 Rule, which lowers the particulate concentration limit from 12 micrograms to 9 micrograms.  Stay tuned for more!