News
News Releases & Air Alerts
Cruise Lines Now Invited to Join in for Safer Whales, Cleaner Air, and a Quieter Ocean
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.
Transition from a High Fire Season to a Winter Preparedness Level – Information on Burn Permit Program
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.
Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Becomes State Law in one of the World’s Biggest Economies
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.
Prescribed Burn Information
Prescribed Burn in Camino Cielo Ridge Area to Continue Today
WHAT: The U.S. Forest Service for the Los Padres National Forest has scheduled prescribed burning in the Camino Cielo Ridge Area near Painted Cave Road and Highway 154.
WHEN: February 5
WHERE: Approximately 3 acres will be burned near the “Glass Factory” area (see map). The burn sites will be staffed 24/7 if there is heat or smoke present.
Prescribed Burn in Camino Cielo Ridge Area to Continue Tomorrow
WHAT: The U.S. Forest Service for the Los Padres National Forest has scheduled prescribed burning in the Camino Cielo Ridge Area near Painted Cave Road and Highway 154.
WHEN: January 28.
WHERE: This area includes burn areas near Haney West (see maps) for approximately 20 acres of combined burning. The burn sites will be staffed 24/7 if there is heat or smoke present.
Prescribed Burn in Camino Cielo Ridge Area to Start Today
WHAT: The U.S. Forest Service for the Los Padres National Forest has scheduled prescribed burning in the Camino Cielo Ridge Area near Painted Cave Road and Highway 154.
WHEN: January 20-25. This burn is expected to occur over a two-week period. If there is potential for continuing burning the week of January 26, an additional advisory will be issued.
Public Notices
Public Notice – Air Quality Regulatory Measures that May Be Adopted or Amended in 2026
For a pdf of this public notice, please click here. State law (Health and Safety Code §40923) requires the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control
Notice of Public Review and Comment Opportunity
Google, LLC has applied to the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (District) to increase the permitted daily hours of operation for eight Emergency/Standby Diesel Generators at 301 Mentor Drive in Santa Barbara. The engines are used to provide backup power to their facility during emergency events. The engines are currently permitted to a maximum of 2 hours/day of operation, but this permitting action will increase that allowance to 4 hours/day to accommodate annual load testing requirements. You are receiving this notice because the engines are within 1,000 feet of the property boundary of St. Raphael School.
Notice of Public Review and Comment Opportunity
Crestwood Behavioral Health, which is a mental health care facility, has applied to the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (District) to operate a linear generator at 303 South C Street in Lompoc, used to provide prime power to their facility. The location has property boundaries that are within 1,000 feet of the property boundary of Hapgood Elementary School.
