Most of December and January have declared no burn days in the San Joaquin Valley because of concern from wood smoke.
Now, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District, which stretches from Stockton to Bakersfield, is offering rebates to homeowners who switch from wood to natural gas.
Anthony Presto of the Pollution Control District, which has strict limitations on wood burning, says gas is the ideal alternative to wood. He says, with gas, residents won't have to worry about whether or not it's a no burn day.
"Natural gas is the cleanest and most efficient way to heat your home," he says.
Wood burning is the chief source of air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley in the winter.
Valley wide it can create as much as 17 tons per day of airborne particles. Presto says this year has been particularly bad because of the dry conditions.
"Rain and wind are what cleans the valley's air, this is so far this season is the worst we've seen," Presto says.
Low-income applicants can receive rebates up to $1,500 for converting to natural gas.
Environment Coverage
Baby Salmon On The Move
Thursday, March 06, 2014Chinook Salmon that are babies now -but will return as full-grown adults to California rivers in 2016- are beginning to make their way to the Pacific Ocean now.
Bees Feeling Effects of California Drought
Thursday, March 06, 2014The drought has left honey bees without their normal supply of wildflowers to feed on. Beekeepers have supplemented their diet, but that lacks nutrition to keep hives healthy. CapRadio's Amy Quinton tags along with a local beekeeper to learn more.
More Money For Storage Projects Added to Calif. Water Bond Proposal
Wednesday, March 05, 2014There’s a bit more progress in the delicate dance of reaching a deal on a new California water bond proposal that would replace the $11 billion bond currently on the November ballot. But a deal – if any – is still months away.
$150 Million For Sacramento Region Flood Control Projects
Wednesday, March 05, 2014The allocations were $34 million more than had been expected for Sacramento projects.
Twenty-Percent Conservation Is A High-Water Mark
Wednesday, March 05, 2014Many people in the Sacramento region responded to calls to conserve water, using less last month than in the previous two Februaries. Many cities have not met conservation goals.