Caltrans District 10 has announced its participation in a new initiative that aims to reduce emissions through the valley and foothills and subsequently improve the health and quality of life for residents. Entitled Healthy Air Living, the initiative was inspired by a recent statewide Healthy Air Living Week, and has additional support from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. “We understand the seriousness of the valley’s air quality status and are committed to doing our part by joining residents in cleaning up our air,” said Kome Ajise, Caltrans District 10 Director.

The Central Valley faces unmatched statewide challenges due to meteorological and topographical factors in reaching clean air-standards. Unhealthy air qualities in the valley directly effect ozone levels in Amador County, creating a notoriously unhealthy climate. Because of the valley’s bowl shape, it has a reduced ability to naturally clean itself of emissions from various sources. According to Air Control statistics, cars and trucks are responsible for up to 80 percent of the valley’s air pollution problem. “It is efforts such as these by Caltrans District 10 that will move us even closer to clean air in the valley,” said Seyed Sadredin, the Air District’s air pollution control officer and executive director. The initiative encourages individuals and companies to make clean air decisions a natural part of everyday life. Caltrans has pledged to continue to offer alternative work schedules, telecommuting, links to carpooling and vanpooling resources and subsidize mass transit for employees to reduce trips to work.