California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

What is one primary responsibility of the South Coast Air Quality Management District?

1. Regulating emissions from mobile sources

2. Developing plans to reduce emissions from businesses

3. Monitoring soil composition

4. Overseeing hazardous waste disposal

The correct answer is: Developing plans to reduce emissions from businesses

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) plays a critical role in managing air quality in the region, and one of its primary responsibilities is indeed focused on developing plans to reduce emissions, particularly from businesses and industrial sources. This responsibility is essential because industries are significant contributors to air pollution, and creating actionable plans is key to achieving compliance with state and federal air quality standards. By developing strategies that target reduction of pollutants, the SCAQMD works to improve air quality, protect public health, and ensure that the region meets its air quality goals. These plans may include adopting regulations, setting emissions reduction targets, and providing guidelines for businesses to follow to minimize their environmental impact. In contrast, while regulating emissions from mobile sources, monitoring soil composition, and overseeing hazardous waste disposal are important facets of environmental management and air quality protection, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of the SCAQMD in the context of reducing air pollution from stationary sources, which is why developing plans for businesses is the correct answer.