The Bay Area Air District has appointed health equity leader Dr. Rohan Radhakrishna as the Air District’s health officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience in public health, health equity, environmental health and community-centered care.

The East Oakland Community Emissions Reduction Plan, also known as the Right to Breathe: East Oakland Community Air Quality Justice Plan, has received final approval from the California Air Resources Board, marking a major milestone in the Bay Area Air District’s work with East Oakland residents to reduce local air pollution and advance environmental justice. The Air District and Communities for a Better Environment co-led a process with a Community Steering Committee to create the plan.

The Air District urges residents to celebrate responsibly this Fourth of July by avoiding personal fireworks, which can elevate air pollution and increase wildfire danger. Fireworks release smoke and fine particulate matter pollution, contributing to temporary spikes in unhealthy air quality.