In 1988, the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) started the Innovative Technologies Group (ITG) program. Two oil and gas companies planning projects in the county provided $7 million for voluntary projects to reduce smog precursor air pollution.

Since 1988, more than 100 agencies, manufacturers, support organizations, and users have participated in ITG programs. By leveraging funding, more than $22 million in projects have been funded. The program has reduced more than 1500 tons of smog precursor emissions.

ITG has crafted an effective program by:

• Building creative funding partnerships
• Matching technologies and end users
• Managing for success

 ITG Mission Statement

Our mission is to reduce air pollution in Santa Barbara County by implementing voluntary projects that: 

• Promote clean air solutions using proven technologies 
• Support cost-effective emission reductions through public/private partnerships
• Foster local business opportunities while providing long-term air quality benefits.

“Most projects with extensive clean air benefits are mandated by government; projects with extensive business benefits are implemented by businesses. We look for projects that have some business benefits and some clean air benefits. We bridge the gap by adding the incentive that makes these projects happen.”

–Tom Murphy,
APCD Planning and Technology Supervisor 
(now Technology and Environmental Assessment Division Manager)

Awards

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s ITG program has won three distinctive awards:

Presidential Award for Sustainable Development (1996)
US Environmental Protection Earth Day Award (1999)
California Governor’s Award for Economic and Environmental Leadership (1996)