Air Quality

The Sacramento Region remains high on the list of the most polluted metropolitan areas in the nation. Our air quality continues to adversely affect the health of our communities, especially our children and elderly. The good news is that we are making strides towards cleaning our air thanks to the many businesses, individuals, agencies and organizations committed to making the Sacramento Region a better place to live and breathe.

Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails sponsors numerous activities, coalitions and partnerships to help engage the public in clean air strategies. Below are our various projects:

Clean Air Awards

Annually, businesses, individuals, agencies and organizations are recognized for going above and beyond to make the Sacramento Region a better place to live and breathe. Nominations are gathered from the public and are judged by a "Blue Ribbon Panel" of community leaders.

Air Quality Index Activity Chart

The Air Quality Index Activity Chart is intended to be used as a guide to modify outdoor activities on poor air quality days. While this chart is designed around school-specific activities (recess, lunch, physical education) it can be used for anyone participating in outdoor activities.

La Tabla del Índice de Calidad del Aire Relativa ahora disponible in Español! Para información en Español, imprimale aqui.

Cleaner Air Partnership

Working for cleaner air with business, transportation, public health and environmental communities since 1986. To find out more, please visit the Cleaner Air Partnership Web site.

Local Air Pollution & Health Impact Studies

Studying the effects of Sacramento Valley air pollution on lung health. New study targets the effect of air pollution on local elementary school children!

A.I.R - Ask. Investigate. Resolve

Formerly the School Based Air Quality Assessment Project, this research, education and advocacy project is designed to allow students to conduct a scientific research project while learning about air quality issues. Through a multi-step scientific study students determine the air quality at their schools and build strategies to promote change, based on their research findings.

Clean Air Strategies

Our Clean Air Agenda is a list of simple and effective actions that you, your neighborhood, your local government, and your organization can take to help improve our region's air quality.


Great News – Your Flex Fuel vehicle can use low-cost, American-made E85 fuel! E85 is now easy to find in the Sacramento Area. Click here to find a map of E85 locations.

Look for the Flex Fuel badge or yellow fuel cap. You can switch between E85 and gasoline any time,and mix at any ratio. That’s flexible fuel!

  • Increased use of E85 lowers demand for oil and helps keep prices down
  • E85 reduces our dependency on foreign oil
  • E85 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • E85 is a sustainable business for our region

For more information about E85 and additional station locations visit www.ethanolrfa.org.


How Clean Can Our Air Be In 20/20?

Click here to view Board Member Earl Withycombe's presentation from the May 6th Great Valley Conference.