California receives $5m in funds for air quality improvement

The state of California has been awarded a $5 million (£3.2 million) boost to its air quality improvement operations, it has been reveled.

Dave White, chief of the United States department of agriculture, announced the award during his first visit to the state in his new role.

It will go towards the projects currently in place encouraging those working in agriculture to reduce their emissions and improve air quality in their local areas.

Mr White explained: "These funds should help California producers comply with local and state regulations.

"We believe agriculture can be on the leading edge of setting a cleaner, greener example for protecting the air we all breathe."

Among the initiatives being taken to improve air quality in the state are those designed to reduce the presence of ozone, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds and fine, breathable pollution particles.

Officials in California have suggested a wide variety of methods to curb emissions and boost air quality in the state, the latest being mandatory check on all motorcycles registered in the region which were manufactured after the year 2000.