What is MDAQMD?

Stretched out over more than 20,000 square miles of California’s vast desert expanse, the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District is geographically the second largest of the state’s 35 air districts. As the air pollution control agency for San Bernardino County’s High Desert and Riverside County’s Palo Verde Valley, the District has primary responsibility for regulating stationary sources of air pollution located within its jurisdictional boundaries. The District implements air quality programs required by state and federal mandates, enforces rules and regulations based on air pollution laws and educates businesses and residents about their role in protecting air quality and the risks of air pollution. The District is authorized to perform these duties under the California Health and Safety Code, Division 26, Part 3, Chapter 13, Article 4, § 41230-41233.

Our mission statement:

The MDAQMD is committed to attaining and maintaining healthful air quality while supporting strong and sustainable economic growth.

 

The MDAQMD lies within the Mojave Desert Air Basin, which encompasses desert portions of Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The District works to protect the health of nearly 600,000 residents by safeguarding the region's air quality. By partnering with the local communities and businesses, we implement regulations and programs to reduce air pollution and assist the region in attaining ambient air quality standards.

This is accomplished through a comprehensive and common-sense program of planning, regulation, compliance assistance, enforcement, monitoring and public outreach and education. 

 The District consists of 36 dedicated staff members, including engineers, inspectors, planners, community relations and other professionals, under the direction of Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer Brad Poiriez. See our District Organizational Chart and Table of Organization for a comprehensive view of our internal structure.

Communities within MDAQMD