After a decade of proven success in reducing the risk of ship strikes and improving coastal air quality, the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) program is expanding participation to cruise lines — some of the most visible and fastest-moving ships on the West Coast.

BWBS is a collaborative effort by regional coastal air districts, the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries, and Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory to reduce risks to endangered whales and protect air quality. Since launching in 2014, BWBS has worked with more than 50 global cargo shipping lines to incentivize vessel speed reduction to 10 knots or less in key whale habitats. 

On November 21, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department transitioned from a High Fire Season to a Winter Preparedness Level. With this transition, the ban on permit burning within State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) within the jurisdiction of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department has been lifted. Individuals with a valid burn permit may resume permitted burning in Santa Barbara County on permissive burn days. Please note: These permits are issued for burn piles only and are not intended for the burning of standing vegetation, which is considered prescribed burning and is only conducted by fire departments and land managers.

A landmark law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month expands Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) into a statewide program. After three years of effort, Assembly Bill 14 by Assemblymembers Gregg Hart (Santa Barbara), Steve Bennett (Ventura) and Damon Connolly (San Rafael) became law on October 11.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is excited to announce that its newly upgraded Permitted Facilities Map recently won the “Best Practices” award given by the national Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA). APCD received the award at the AAPCA conference in North Carolina in September. APCD is one of the only air districts in California to provide such a tool.

See news release, issued yesterday by the office of Assemblymember Gregg Hart, regarding the signing into law of legislation establishing a statewide “Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies” program.

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies, a vessel speed reduction program for safer whales, cleaner air, and a quieter ocean, has released a mid-season report on the 2025 season, which runs May through December.

BWBS encourages and verifies shipping companies’ cooperation with NOAA’s voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) requests to transit at 10 knots or less during the VSR season. Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) releases this status report at the half-way point summarizing how program participation and cooperation are trending.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD) popular Old Car Buy Back Program has undergone a major upgrade, and is now accepting vehicles model year 2002 or older and is now paying participants $2,200 per vehicle. Previously, only cars model year 1997 or older were accepted, and participants were paid $1,000.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is offering to install approximately 150 air quality sensors at schools, government buildings, and nonprofit organizations throughout Santa Barbara County to measure fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, from smoke, soot, and dust. Air quality sensors — such as PurpleAir sensors — are great for capturing neighborhood-level air quality conditions and complement APCD’s existing network of permanent air quality monitoring stations.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (District), Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (C5), Electric Ride 805, and other partners are excited to sponsor a series of free in-person and virtual events during National Drive Electric Month (September 12 – October 12).

National Drive Electric Month is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Local events will provide opportunities for the public to experience a wide range of electric vehicles (EVs), connect with EV owners, and learn how to take advantage of financial incentives before they expire.

MEDIA STATEMENT August 15, 2025 Contact: Lyz Bantilan, Public Information Officer, (805) 979-8283 Statement from Santa Barbara County APCD Executive Director Aeron Arlin Genet re: