A Summary of the AB 617 Process

We have decided to get more engaged in the AB 617 process and would like to give our members a summary of the AB 617 process. We will organize community meetings around the state to solicit feedback from impacted communities.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is rhetorically committed to community involvement and engagement as part of its implementation of AB 617, the California Environmental Justice Act of 2013. The communities of concern, identified as disproportionately affected by air pollution, are supposed to play a vital role in the process. Here are some of the communities and stakeholders that are involved:

Communities of Concern: Residents of communities identified as disproportionately affected by air pollution are central to implementing AB 617. CARB engages with these communities to understand their concerns, provide information about the impacts of air pollution on public health, and hear their suggestions for reducing emissions from significant stationary sources.

Environmental Justice Organizations: Nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups focusing on environmental justice and protecting communities affected by pollution should also be involved in implementing AB 617. Organizations that work directly with disadvantaged communities need to provide information to ensure that the voices of our communities are heard.

Industry and Business: Implementing AB 617 also involves engagement with industry and businesses, including significant stationary sources of pollution. These entities may be required to retrofit their facilities with pollution control equipment or to implement other measures to reduce their emissions.

Public Health and Medical Organizations: Public health organizations and medical professionals play an essential role in implementing AB 617 by providing information about the impacts of air pollution on public health and advocating for more robust measures to reduce emissions.

Government Agencies: Other government agencies, such as local air district boards and the California Environmental Protection Agency, will also be involved in implementing AB 617. These agencies may have a role in enforcing the emissions reduction requirements and working with the CARB to implement statewide strategies.

Overall, implementing AB 617 is a collaborative process involving a wide range of communities and stakeholders. The goal is to ensure that all voices are heard and that the interests of communities of concern are considered as the state works to reduce air pollution and protect public health.