As summer heat sets in, air-quality officials are renewing efforts to reduce ozone pollution that plagues the San Joaquin Valley during the warmest months. The region regularly ranks among the nation’s most challenged for air quality.
Hot, stagnant conditions cook emissions from traffic and industry into ozone, which can aggravate asthma and other conditions. Officials encourage residents to limit driving on bad-air days and to check daily air-quality forecasts.
Longer-term efforts focus on cleaner vehicles and equipment. Advocates say clean air is both a health issue and an economic one for the Valley.



