San Joaquin Valley Air District to Increase Fees

At this past month’s Governing Board Meeting of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, the Board approved a fee increase for permits.  This change will increase permit fees by 4.8%, effective July 1, 2018, and again by 4.6%, effective July 1, 2019.  The Association voiced its opposition during workshops on the fee increase, but was the only industry group to do so.  At the Governing Board Meeting Association President/CEO Roger Isom testified in opposition, one of only two groups to do so.  Isom stated, “While we recognize and appreciate the efforts by staff to keep costs down and minimize fees, all of our operating costs are going up.  The State Water Resources Control Board is proposing to increase their fees this year.  Minimum wage is going up.  The prices for electricity will be increasing this year.  Meanwhile, the prices for our commodities are not.  The agricultural industry has no way to pass along the cost.”  Despite the Association’s effort, the lack of industry opposition made this an easy decision for the board to increase their fees.  The Nisei Farmers League was the only other group to oppose these fee increases.