The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality and protecting public health in a large area of Southern California, encompassing all of Orange County and the non-desert portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. This region is home to over 17 million people. The SCAQMD's mission is to clean the air through practical and innovative strategies. They achieve this by developing, adopting, and implementing air quality management plans, and by establishing and enforcing rules to reduce emissions from stationary sources, which include industrial facilities, power plants, refineries, and even consumer products like paints and solvents. The agency also operates an extensive network of air quality monitoring stations, issues daily air quality forecasts, and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with air quality rules. Furthermore, SCAQMD engages in community-based efforts, such as the Community Air Protection Program, to address air pollution concerns in environmental justice communities and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. They also issue permits to businesses and industries, respond to public complaints, and take enforcement actions when violations are observed.
