Dust Pollution Summit To Be Held In Palm Desert: What To Know

PALM DESERT, CA — Local leaders, experts and residents will gather in Palm Desert this fall for a Dust Summit aimed at tackling one of the region's most persistent environmental and health challenges: dust pollution.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. at UC Riverside’s Palm Desert Center, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District in partnership with Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.

For decades, high winds have carried particulate matter (PM10) across the desert, raising concerns about public health, air quality and overall quality of life for Coachella Valley residents. Dust exposure has been linked to respiratory illnesses and other long-term health effects.

"Before effective solutions can be put in place, it's critical to understand where the dust is coming from and what factors are driving it," AQMD said. "Insights from this summit and upcoming work will help guide the development of the right mitigation projects for the region."

The summit will feature presentations, a panel discussion and an interactive Q&A session. Residents are invited to weigh in on identifying the most effective solutions for reducing dust and improving local air quality.

"The Dust Summit marks the beginning of a broader, long-term strategy to reduce dust pollution in the Coachella Valley," AQMD said. "All residents are encouraged to participate and be part of this important conversation."

The event will be held in the UC Riverside Auditorium, Palm Desert Center, 75080 Frank Sinatra Dr.