The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has been crucial in improving air quality despite population growth. - CARB was created in 1967 to combat pollution trapped by California's geography.
- Regulations include a $0.40/gallon gas tax, funding cleaner vehicles and fuels. - Ozone levels have decreased statewide even as drivers nearly doubled to 28 million.
- However, the San Joaquin Valley still faces high PM2.5 levels and asthma rates. Without CARB, air quality would worsen, increasing health risks like heart disease and asthma.