Air Quality
Improving air quality for healthier communities and a healthier planet
Acterra's Air Quality Program is dedicated to monitoring and improving air quality across the Bay Area. By addressing the harmful effects of pollution, this program aims to protect public health, enhance environmental quality, and promote sustainable practices. Our efforts include installing air quality monitors, raising community awareness, and collaborating with local organizations to develop effective solutions. Together, we strive to ensure cleaner, healthier air for all residents.
Our Current Project Highlights
Acterra has been awarded a $299k grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to install 10 air quality monitors in East San Jose. Over the next two years, Acterra will implement a technical project to install these monitors, in partnership with local agencies and community-based organizations, to enhance local air monitoring data in disadvantaged communities in East San Jose. These monitors will be positioned in schools in neighborhoods that bear the brunt of air pollution where residents have fewer resources to handle health problems caused by pollution. The air monitoring data will inform science, health, and social justice discussions and actions to improve public health.
Acterra will also train residents on how to use and maintain air quality monitors, and how to read, analyze, and use the resulting data. Additionally, we will engage students and families in working with local government agencies to take actions that improve local air quality.
This project is supported by the “California Climate Investments” (CCI) program, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap- and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Read More About Award
Acterra secured Round 2 funding from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to expand its efforts in providing air filtration units to vulnerable communities under California’s AB617 program. In partnership with Cristo Rey High School, Pittsburg Unified School District, and the Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay, Acterra distributed over 90 air filters to Bay Area neighborhoods most affected by air pollution. Building on this success, Acterra collaborated with Breathe California and the Vietnamese American Community Center to distribute an additional 40 air filters to East Bay residents. This follows our previous distribution of 47 filters to households in East San Jose during Round 1.
In addition to the air filters, recipients were provided with detailed manufacturer specifications, as well as guidance on safe use and maintenance to ensure maximum effectiveness of the units.
Through this partnership, Acterra and the Air District are working to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, including wildfire smoke, for the Bay Area’s most vulnerable populations. These programs contribute to improving indoor air quality, lowering rates of pollution-related illnesses, and reducing medical costs and absenteeism for workers.
Want to make an impact in your community? Join our team of passionate volunteers, staff, or interns. Contact us to learn more.