Imperial County Board of Supervisors vote on opposing Air District overhaul bill

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - The Imperial County Board of Supervisors gathered Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. for their regular meeting to formalize their unified opposition against a contentious state bill targeting the region's air quality governance.

Supervisors are scheduled to ratify a June 2, 2026 letter signed by the Chairwoman opposing Senate Bill (SB) 675.

The board will also consider approving a critical follow-up letter to the California Assembly Appropriations Committee, cementing the county's continuous "oppose unless amended" stance.

Introduced by State Sen. Steve Padilla (D-District 18), SB 675 is an active legislative proposal designed to overhaul the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District.

If passed, the bill would dissolve the current five-member regulatory board, composed entirely of the sitting county supervisors, and replace it with an expanded 10-member panel.

The new structure mandates equal representation split between the county, incorporated local cities, and community members.

Supporters, including the Mayor of Imperial and various municipal leaders, argue the transformation is vital to boosting public transparency and local representation in a region long plagued by air quality challenges.

Under the provisions of SB 675, the air district would be legally required to launch an independent tracking website, post all permit applications online within three business days, and enforce stricter rules on high-polluting industrial operations known as Title V sources.

However, county supervisors argue the sweeping state mandate overreaches and directly threatens local governance.

According to county officials, a sudden administrative restructuring would strip away direct county authority over regional air monitoring and local enforcement duties.

County leaders also warn that the state-mandated expansion will heavily strain local budgets and stretch administrative resources thin.

Tuesday's vote will authorize the Chairwoman to sign the official follow-up letter to the state legislature on behalf of the board, following final non-substantive adjustments by the County Executive Officer, County Counsel, and the Air Pollution Control Officer.

SB 675 remains pending on the fast-moving Assembly Appropriations Committee file following its second reading and recent amendments.