Meeting Summary
Present: Lee, Hartman, Mead, Clark
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Adoption of Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget
- Staff presented a budget resolution and salary plan amendment based on a Gallagher study.
- Board members questioned salary comparison discrepancies identified after the report's finalization.
- The Board approved the recommendation with a directive for staff to propose an employee appeal process.
- Staff acknowledged they would consult County personnel regarding similar processes.
Hearing Board Variance Consideration
- Staff reported an upcoming hearing regarding a 90-day variance for Sable Offshore Corporation flaring permits.
- Fees will be charged for excess emissions regardless of the variance outcome.
- Board members inquired about the appointment process for the presiding Hearing Board member.
- The Board received the item for information without a motion or vote.
Voluntary Grant and Incentives Programs
- Staff highlighted nearly $65 million distributed over 35 years of program history.
- The fiscal year 2025-26 car buyback program resulted in the destruction of 376 vehicles.
- Discussion focused on outreach challenges and state guidelines requiring equipment destruction for specific grants.
- Staff noted alternative programs exist where equipment destruction is not required for operators.
2025 Annual Air Quality Report
- The report indicated 15 exceedances of the state 24-hour PM10 standard linked to high winds.
- Staff reported an increase in moderate Air Quality Index days due to updated EPA standards.
- The district is procuring approximately 140 low-cost air quality sensors for installation.
- A Board member noted a typographical error regarding the year on a sensor map.
Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program
- The 2025 season achieved an 85% cooperation rate and reduced ship strike risk by 40%.
- The 2026 season launched with record participation and expanded statewide speed reduction zones.
- Discussion included the program's impact on marine life through noise reduction.
- Staff confirmed the goal is to increase participation through recognition.
Full summary
Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District Board of Directors Meeting Summary
- Date: June 25, 2026 Location: Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District
Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the approval of the minutes from the May 21, 2026 meeting. A motion was made and seconded. A roll call vote was conducted. The motion to approve the minutes passed 11-0 with one abstention.
Administrative Agenda (Items Save D6)
- The Board considered the administrative agenda items excluding Item D6. A motion was made and seconded to approve the remaining administrative items. A roll call vote was conducted. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item D6: Adoption of Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget
- Staff presented the fiscal year 2026-27 budget, which included a budget resolution and a salary resolution amending the classification and salary plan based on a study by Gallagher. During discussion, a Board member questioned a discrepancy in the Gallagher report regarding salary comparisons between supervisors and managers at the State Air Resources Board versus other agencies. Staff acknowledged the discrepancy was identified after the report was finalized and noted that Gallagher could not return to correct it. Staff also indicated there is no current process for employees to appeal the report's findings.
- Another Board member moved to approve the staff recommendation with the added direction that staff return with a proposal for an appeal process. The motion was seconded. The Chair suggested consulting with County personnel regarding a similar process. No public comment was received on this item. A roll call vote was conducted. The motion passed unanimously.
Director's Report
- Staff reported on an upcoming Hearing Board meeting to consider a 90-day variance for Sable Offshore Corporation regarding permit conditions for unplanned flaring at Platform Heritage. An interim variance had previously been granted. Staff noted the Hearing Board would consider six elements, including the nature of the violation and impact to the public, and that fees would be charged for excess emissions regardless of the variance outcome. Board members inquired about the selection of a single Hearing Board member to preside over the matter. Staff explained that the Hearing Board Chair typically appoints one member for these hearings. No motion or vote was required on this item.
Public Comment
- The Clerk reported receiving three written public comments from Whitney Colley, Ava Lou, and Steven Youngblood. No oral public comment was received on agenda items during this segment. Later in the meeting, the Chair sought clarification from staff regarding a comment from Coastal Bloom concerning potential duplication of efforts with the County Planning & Development department on cannabis quality requirements. Staff confirmed they are working with the County and preparing a report for the Community Advisory Council regarding cost implications.
Discussion Item G1: Overview of Voluntary Grant and Incentives Programs
- Staff presented an overview of the district's grant and incentive programs. Highlights included the distribution of nearly $65 million over the last 35 years, the funding of 29 projects in the 2025 program, and the destruction of 376 vehicles through the car buyback program in fiscal year 2025-26. Discussion ensued regarding outreach challenges, the requirement for equipment destruction prior to reimbursement, and the availability of older equipment for new operators. Staff noted state guidelines require destruction for specific grants but mentioned other programs exist where equipment is not destroyed. The item was received and filed.
Discussion Item G2: 2025 Annual Air Quality Report
- Staff presented the 2025 annual air quality report. Key findings included 15 exceedances of the state 24-hour PM10 standard, all associated with high winds in the Santa Maria Valley, and no ozone exceedances. Staff reported an increase in moderate Air Quality Index days due to updated EPA standards for PM2.5 and the addition of new monitors. The district is procuring approximately 140 low-cost air quality sensors and installing a new monitoring station structure in Goleta. A Board member noted a typo in the attached report regarding the year on a sensor map. The item was received and filed.
Discussion Item G3: Update on the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program
- Staff provided an update on the voluntary vessel speed reduction program. The 2025 season resulted in an 85% cooperation rate, a 40% reduction in ship strike risk, and approximately 1,500 tons of NOx reduction. The 2026 season launched with a record 60 participating companies, expanded statewide zones, and new award tiers. Discussion included the program's impact on other marine life through noise reduction and suggestions for partnership with the Chumash Marine Sanctuary. Staff confirmed the goal is to increase participation through recognition. No public comment was received. The item was received and filed.
Adjournment
- The Chair made announcements regarding the rebroadcast of the meeting and the date of the next meeting, August 20. The meeting was adjourned.