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.

In two separate three-to-two votes, supervisors officially ratified a June 2, 2026, letter signed by the Chairwoman opposing Senate Bill 675 and approved 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 a brand new 10-member panel. The new structure mandates equal representation split between the county, incorporated local cities, and community members.

The bill aims to diversify the board by adding city council members and community representatives.

"It makes sure that there are people sitting on the board who actually have some professional credentials and a background in the science of dealing with air pollution," Sen. Padilla said regarding the restructuring.

Supporters 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.

During public comment, residents in favor of the expansion voiced their support for a change in governance.

"We’re asking for an advisory council to help you make decisions," one community member stated. Another added, "It's silly to think that this same group of people, none of whom are experts in air pollution, would sit on the APCB board."

However, county supervisors and local opponents argue the sweeping state mandate overreaches and directly threatens local governance. Opponents argue it will trigger expensive new permits, potentially crippling local farmers.

"Agriculture is the backbone of this community… we must help protect our culture’s sustainability," an agricultural advocate testified. Another echoed the sentiment, stating, "If you’re not in the ag business… you don’t have a say."

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

"This legislation brings more regulation and cost to a struggling business and farming economy in the valley," one supervisor noted during the debate. Another member added, "Greater representation, that's fine. But anything that's gonna have a burden of cost on business in Imperial Valley, I’m against."

Sen. Padilla quickly dismissed those financial concerns, stating, "Some of the folks out there who have been arguing about cost are throwing around wild, crazy numbers that have no basis in reality at all."

The dissenting supervisors on the board urged their colleagues to negotiate amendments with Sacramento rather than outright blocking the legislation.

"We should be proactive in working with our state senator and try to make this a bill that makes sense for everyone involved," one dissenting supervisor argued. Another stated, "I believe that it's premature to oppose a bill without having further information."

It is a conversation Sen. Padilla says he is willing to have.

Tuesday's split votes 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.

Though opposed by the local board, the bill could still be signed into law. SB 675 remains pending on the fast-moving Assembly Appropriations Committee file following its second reading and recent amendments.