The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is launching a new program to enhance air quality monitoring across the state, with a heavy focus on communities where residents live near multiple sources of pollution.

The goal of the program, known as the Statewide Mobile Monitoring Initiative (SMMI), is to get more data about the levels and sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that communities face. CARB has awarded a $27-million contract to Aclima a California Public Benefit Corporation that specializes in hyperlocal air quality mapping and analysis.

Aclima and its partners will measure air pollutants using vehicles equipped with specialized air quality devices to map the air pollution along public roads, particularly in disadvantaged communities that face a disproportionate burden of economic, health and environmental challenges.

Specific monitoring locations for the SMMI will be chosen through a collaborative community engagement process that kicks off with its first virtual public meeting on 17 September.

The SMMI is funded by California Climate Investments. At least 60% of the air monitoring conducted through this initiative will directly benefit California Climate Investments priority populations. Communities that will benefit from the project include parts of the state that have been consistently nominated for targeted planning and action under the Community Air Protection Program, underscoring the importance of equity as a guiding principle for the state.

The primary goal of the SMMI is to gather detailed data on air pollutants, including toxic air contaminants and greenhouse gases. Once completed, the SMMI data will be accessible through an online public portal. This information will help identify pollution sources and guide efforts to improve air quality in communities that need it most.

The project will be guided by a Project Expert Group, where 50% of the participants will be community members from the selected communities. The group will help CARB and Aclima develop engagement strategies and community air monitoring plans.