Air Quality Information

Ground -Level Ozone

Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly into the air. It's created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. The majority of the region's ozone problem is caused by vehicles and other mobile sources, including trucks, buses, agricultural or construction equipment, powerboats, and gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

Although engines are cleaner than they were 10 years ago, the region's population has increased by more than 10 percent over that time. We must continue efforts to improve air quality, and protect the health of residents.

​Greenhouse Gases

The Sacramento region is subject to a range of environmental risks. Many have been made worse by climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions based on scientific studies, including flooding, drought, wildfires, and significant increases in average temperatures and heat events.

These have impacted wildlife habitat and farming conditions related to the plants and animals that inhabit the region. We're seeing impacts in the types of crops we can grow, higher impacts from diseases like West Nile virus, and millions of dead and dying trees in California.

The Sac Metro Air District is committed to addressing climate change.