Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 3.11. Air Quality
California Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Worldwide, California is the 12th to 16th largest emitter of CO 2 (California
Energy Commission 2006), and is responsible for approximately 2% of the
world’s CO 2 emissions (California Energy Commission 2006).
Transportation is responsible for 41% of the state’s GHG emissions, followed by
the industrial sector (23%), electricity generation (20%), agriculture and forestry
(8%) and other sources (8%) (California Energy Commission 2006). Emissions
of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are byproducts of fossil fuel combustion,
among other sources. Methane, a highly potent GHG, results from off-gassing
associated with agricultural practices and landfills, among other sources. Sinks 1
of carbon dioxide include uptake by vegetation and dissolution into the ocean.
California GHG emissions in 2002 totaled approximately 491 MMT-CO 2 eq.
Bay Area Greenhouse Gas Emissions
BAAQMD prepared an inventory of GHG emissions in the 9-county Bay Area in
November 2006. Transportation is responsible for 51% of the Bay Area’s
emissions, followed by the industrial/commercial sector (26%), power plants
(7%), oil refining (6%) and domestic use (11%) (Bay Area Air Quality
Management District 2006). Total GHG emissions in 2002 were estimated at
85.4 MMT-CO 2 eq.
Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards
The State of California and the federal government have each established
ambient air quality standards for air pollutants (see Table 3.11-1). For some
pollutants, separate standards have been set for different periods, with most
standards set to protect public health; however, for some pollutants, standards
have been based on other values, such as protection of crops, protection of
materials, or avoidance of nuisance conditions.
State and Federal Attainment Status
If monitored pollutant concentrations meet state or federal standards over a
designated period of time, the area is classified as being in attainment for that
pollutant. If monitored pollutant concentrations violate the standards, the area is
considered a nonattainment area for that pollutant. If data are insufficient to
determine whether a pollutant is violating the standard, the area is designated
unclassified.
1 A carbon dioxide sink is a resource that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The classic example of a sink
is a forest in which vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen through photosynthesis.
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
3.11-7
April 2012