Supervisors split over bill to strip board of air district control

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted to ratify a letter opposing Senate Bill (SB) 675, a legislative proposal that would significantly alter the governance, operational duties, and permitting authority of the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District. The vote was split, with Supervisors Jesus Escobar and Martha Cardenas-Singh dissenting.

SB 675, initially related to beverage container recycling, was amended without local consultation to propose major changes including temporarily prohibiting the district from issuing critical Title V permits until March 2028. Deputy CEO Gilbert Rebollar highlighted concerns about potential fiscal impacts, including an estimated $1.5 million in implementation costs, $20-25 million in facility needs, and increased permitting fees of about 40%. The county also anticipates an $880,000 annual charge to the City of El Centro under the bill's requirements.

The bill also seeks to restructure the Air District's governing board, reducing the Board of Supervisors' role to one appointed seat on a new 10-member board. Supervisor Escobar explicitly stated that "The reason this bill came to light is because of the data center," linking the legislative effort to public distrust in the current board's support for industrial growth, including data centers. Several public commenters, including local farmers and residents like Jake Tison, voiced opinions both for and against the county's opposition, with some supporting the bill's proposed increased transparency and community representation. The bill is scheduled for a hearing on July 1.