The Land Use and Air Quality Connection Presented By: Larry Robinson SMAQMD Land Use & Transportation Section

2 Why is Air Quality Important? Ozone: non-attainment Particulate Matter: non-attainment Climate Change: worsens air pollution

3 The Health Effects Aggravated asthma & new cases 20% of children in Sacramento County have asthma (4 th highest in the state; Lake & Mendocino Counties at 8%) Costs for asthmatics exceed $1.3 billion annually in CA Increased respiratory and cardiovascular problems 14% higher heart disease rate in Sacramento County vs. CA average Reduced resistance to infection, increased fatigue, or weakened athletic performance 1.3 million school absence days could be avoided annually

4 The Environmental Effects Ozone can damage crops, forests, native plants and property Particulate contributes to reduced visibility in urban and pristine areas Climate change has the potential to increase air pollution and energy demand

5 Why is Land Use Important to Air Quality? Mobile sources remain the primary source of ozone in the Sacramento region; contribute largely to greenhouse gases and to a lesser extent particulate emissions Land use directly influences travel, therefore mobile source emissions Individual land use decisions dictate overall travel behavior

6 Why is Land Use Important to Air Quality? Blueprint modeling for the 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan shows that Vehicle Miles Traveled per household can be reduced by 11% through better land use decisions Blueprint is also the basis of the SMAQMD’s air quality attainment planning efforts Not implementing Blueprint could jeopardize transportation funding

7 Air Quality Considerations Should be an Integral Part of Your Decision Making Process Include air quality considerations in all your decisions Utilize your experts More information to be provided on land use studies

8 SMAQMD’s Project Review Process 1. Staff receives project documents from local jurisdictions and other agencies (CEQA and others) 2. Various tools utilized to evaluate the air quality impacts of each project 3. Staff coordinates with other agencies and individuals 4. Mitigation measures recommended 5. Design modifications may be recommended 6. Testimony provided to recommending and approving bodies as necessary Please contact SMAQMD staff if you have project specific questions…

9 Staff Contact Information Jeane Borkenhagen Climate Change Joseph (J.J.) Hurley Cities of Sacramento and Folsom Rachel DuBose City of Citrus Heights North & Central Sacramento County Karen Huss City of Galt Charlene McGhee City of Elk Grove South Sacramento County Paul Philley City of Rancho Cordova Land Use & Transportation Section Larry Robinson, Program Coordinator

10 Thank You for Your Time Questions and Comments?