According to the State of the Air report, Bakersfield is one of the most polluted cities in California. Will Barrett, the director of clean air advocacy for the American Lung Association in Californian, stated that even though there has been significant improvement since their first report in 2000, there is still a long way to go.
Bakersfield ranked first place for annual particle pollution, third place for 24-hour particle pollution, and second place for high ozone days.
Emissions from road traffic, rail freight, industry, and agriculture create one of the worst concentrations of air pollution in the country. The air pollution is exacerbated by climatic and geographic conditions that trap dirt and dry air over this city.
One study found that health impacts of the air pollution in the region cost San Joaquin, or the southern section of the Central Valley, an estimated $3 billion, or approximately $1,000 per person.
In the past, there have been efforts to improve the air quality in Bakersfield. Jamie Holt, the chief communications officer for the San Joaquin Valley Air Quality District, stated that the air pollution in Bakersfield was significantly reduced with the help of the regulations controlling emissions from surrounding gas and oil producers that came into force in 2003.
Regulations that limited the residential use of wood stoves and fireplaces have helped. Moreover, farmers have changed many of their practices. For instance, to reduce dust, farmers now refrain from cultivating when the ground is too dry. There has also been funding for trade-ins for older farm equipment and reduced burning of agricultural waste.
Even though improvements have been made in recent years, the region must continue to tackle air pollution. To reduce personal risk, experts recommend avoiding outdoor activities when pollution levels are high and checking daily air pollution forecasts in your area.
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