New Valley Air Plan

5/23/2008 Fresno The State Air Resources Board unanimously approved the plan during today's meeting in north Fresno. Under the new proposal, families won't be able to use their fireplaces for up to 35 days in the winter and large local employers will be strongly encouraged to promote carpooling.

The goal is to reduce particulate pollution like dust and smog. A new report shows this pollution kills more than 3,000 people in the Central Valley each year.

Critics say this latest plan doesn't go far enough.

The plan is designed to meet federal standards by the 2014 deadline. It will not become official until it wins final approval from the E.P.A.