Press Releases

2024 Press Releases

5-1-24: Notice of Vacancies - Hearing Board of the SLO County APCD

Beginning May 1 through May 24, 2024, the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) Hearing Board is recruiting for four positions: an Attorney Member, an Attorney Alternate, a Public Alternate, and Engineer Alternate. State law requires the Attorney Member and Alternate to be admitted to the practice of law in California, the Engineer Alternate be a registered professional engineer and appointment of Hearing Board members be made by the APCD Board of Directors.

The APCD Hearing Board is a quasi-judicial body whose purpose is to hear requests from regulated industry for a variance from rules, hear requests for orders of abatement concerning air quality public nuisance issues, and other areas of jurisdiction set by the State Health and Safety Code. Membership requirements for the Hearing Board are stipulated in state law and specify members and alternates consist of an attorney admitted to the practice of law in California, a registered professional engineer, a member of the medical profession, and two public members.

Applications for these positions are being accepted May 1 to May 24, 2024. Applications can be submitted via email or U.S. Mail at the addresses listed below. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 24, 2024. Applications are available online at https://www.slocleanair.org/who/board/hearing-board.php or by contacting Alyssa Roslan, APCD Clerk of the Board. Applications are to be submitted to:

SLO Air Pollution Control District
Attn: Clerk of the Board
3433 Roberto Ct.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
[email protected]

Consideration of this matter by the APCD Board of Directors is planned for the June 19, 2024 meeting; applicants are encouraged to attend the meeting and address the Board. Additional information regarding the vacancies

4-29-24: Yaro and Whitney CAL FIRE Prescribed Burns

4-24-24: SLO County APCD Countywide Clean Air Rooms Program

The SLO County Air Pollution Control District (SLO County APCD) is announcing the 2024 Clean Air Rooms Program. This program will provide approximately 390 high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers on a first-come, first-served basis to income-eligible residents across San Luis Obispo County.

Over the past several years, SLO County residents have seen increased exposure to wildfire smoke and particulate matter from blowing dust. These fine particles can affect respiratory and cardiovascular systems and are especially harmful to people with pre-existing conditions, young children, elderly and pregnant women. During a wildfire event or blowing dust event, the best protection for your health is to stay indoors as much as possible and when smoke is present – the need to keep indoor air clean is especially important. In a well-sealed indoor environment, HEPA devices can reduce particulate matter by more than 90%.

The SLO County APCD is excited for the opportunity to serve the community with this program and reduce potential health effects from harmful exposure to particulate matter.

To qualify, residents must complete an online application and provide the following:

Documents showing proof of residency in SLO County (utility bill, driver’s license, other official mail). Please note - only one device will be given out per address.
Income-eligibility documents. This can be done by numerous methods and a complete list is available on the SLO County APCD website.

Applicants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and following application approval, they should receive their air purifier right to their home within 30 days.

If you are unable to access a computer or mobile device to complete the application, you may visit the SLO County APCD office at 3433 Roberto Court for assistance. Additionally, the website to complete the application can also be accessed by local libraries across SLO County.

Want more information on the Clean Air Room Pilot Program and see if you are eligible? Visit the APCD website SLOCleanAir.org/community/clean-air-rooms.php. To see current air quality conditions and forecasts for SLO County or your neighborhood, visit us at SLOCleanAir.org. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!