Federal funds secured through the Inflation Reduction Act are headed to San Joaquin County.

Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) announced earlier this month that the City of Stockton will receive $1 million in federal funds to fight pollution. Stockton has some of the worst air quality in the country. San Joaquin County’s air quality was given an F by the American Lung Association for high amounts of ozone pollution, and because there are so many frequent sharp spikes in the amount of particle pollution in the air. Stockton also ranked 41 on the list of the country’s Asthma Capitals.

The new funding will go towards cleaning up Stockton’s air quality and lowering the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. This funding was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which Rep. Harder worked for the passage of in 2022.

“My brother and I grew up in the Valley with childhood asthma. I don’t want my daughters to have to deal with it too. We have to clean up our air so our kids can play outside and not have to worry about their health,” said Rep. Harder. “I’m glad we were able to bring home this money to improve Stockton’s air quality and protect our environment.”

This federal grant from the Inflation Reduction Act will go directly to the City of Stockton to develop or update climate mitigation plans and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also fund an analysis of pollution’s impacts on low income and disadvantaged communities.