The Assembly Natural Resources Committee advanced SB 675 on June 8 after hearing sharply divided testimony over the measure’s proposed overhaul of the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District.
According to the committee’s hearing summary, the bill would restructure the district’s board to add city and public representation and expand online transparency around permits and enforcement. Supporters, including Imperial Mayor Aida Obeso Martinez, argued the changes would improve governance and public access. A separate committee summary said she described the measure as a way to mirror reforms adopted in San Diego County under earlier legislation.
Testimony in support also came from Imperial County resident Christian Salgado, who said the region has had limited public participation in air-quality decisions. The hearing summary said supporters pointed to severe air-quality problems in Imperial County.
Opponents included representatives of the California Chamber of Commerce, California Business Properties Association, California Manufacturers and Technology Association, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, the California Cattlemen’s Association, and others. They warned that the proposal could create unfunded mandates, add uncertainty to permitting and slow decisions for regulated businesses and facilities.
The committee moved SB 675 forward as amended. The available record does not include the final roll-call tally or the full amended bill text, so the precise scope of the surviving board and transparency provisions is not yet clear.