"The Bay Area Air District will be calling Spare the Air alerts more frequently, the agency announced this month a move that, while aimed at reducing air pollution, drew fire from Bay Area residents. On Spare the Air Days, residents are prohibited from burning fireplaces, fire pits or wood stoves. The anticipated increase to some 19 to 41 alerts per year compared with the historic average of 15 sparked concerns on Times-Herald social media, and the Times-Herald asked the district to respond."
"Concerns included the financial impact on low-income families; whether the biggest polluters re businesses, not residents; and whether the increase would save lives. One reader opined that the increase in Spare the Air alerts amounted to taking away a low-cost fuel source for heating from families who most likely can't afford their (Pacific Gas and Electric) bill in winter otherwise."
"One of the most important takeaways from the district's emailed response: If a home has an EPA-certified wood stove as its only source of heat, it can be registered with the Air District as exempt from Spare the Air Alert burn bans, said Aaron Richardson, spokesman for the district. To register, visit https://airtable.com/appzwsnnifiKR1m4Q/shrMD3nWDKHxBYph9 Also, PG&E has a number of programs offering financial assistance with bills. https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance.html"
The Bay Area Air District will increase Spare the Air alerts to about 19 to 41 days per year, above the historic average of 15. On Spare the Air Days residents are prohibited from burning fireplaces, fire pits, or wood stoves. Residents raised concerns about financial impacts on low-income families, whether businesses cause more pollution than residents, and whether the change will save lives. Homes with EPA-certified wood stoves used as the sole heat source can register for exemption from burn bans. PG&E offers financial-assistance programs. Fireplaces are inefficient, and wood heating carries fuel, labor, maintenance, and health costs; added alternative-heating costs are expected to be small.
Read at www.timesheraldonline.com
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