Aug. 16, 2021 Local voices sought for air quality projects Residents in High Desert, Palo Verde Valley invited to digital MDAQMD community meeting The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) has planned a community meeting to gather input from residents on reducing emissions and improving local air quality. The focus of the meeting will address the Community Air Protection Program (CAPP), created through Assembly Bill 617 passed in 2017. The Program brings opportunities to collaborate with disadvantaged communities to improve air quality in areas that need it most. CAPP aims to focus air quality monitoring and emissions reductions initiatives at the community and neighborhood levels. Participants at the meeting will hear from MDAQMD Executive Director/APCO Brad Poiriez, Deputy Director of Operations Alan De Salvio and Grants Analyst Jorge Camacho. They’ll present an overview of the program as well as projects that have been successfully funded since the launch of the program and related emissions reductions. Most importantly, the discussion will include available grants for community groups based in the High Desert and Palo Verde Valley and the next steps in the program for MDAQMD. The digital community meeting is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Aug. 25. Those who wish to participate may visit www.mdaqmd.ca.gov/ab617 to register. Registration for the meeting will include a link to participate and a phone number to call into the meeting for those who are unable to participate digitally.