Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District official has died

Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer Mat Ehrhardt has died, officials announced Tuesday.

He passed away Sunday. “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this sudden and tragic loss. It was a great privilege to know him personally and work alongside Mat for more than 28 years,” Paul Hensleigh, deputy air pollution control officer, said in a press statement.

Ehrhardt held a degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Sacramento, where he was a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. He came to the District in 1997 as an associate air quality engineer, earning his professional engineering license in Mechanical Engineering in 1997. He promoted to supervising air quality engineer in 2000 and to deputy air pollution control officer in 2002.

In 2005, he was named the executive director of the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District.

“Mat served the Board of Directors with unwavering dedication, protecting and improving air quality for communities within the District,” said Board Chair and Rio Vista Mayor Ronald Kott in the statement. “His knowledge and leadership will be sorely missed.”

He was a strong advocate for clean air, but in a way that made sense for all stakeholders, District officials said, emphasizing that his “impact on statewide air quality policy issues was undeniable, including serving as President of the California Air Pollution Control Officer's Association from 2009 to 2010.”

Yolo County Supervisor Donald Saylor and longtime Board Member also expressed his sadness.

“Mat was universally respected by staff, the Board and colleagues in air quality management throughout the state and nation,” Saylor said in the statement. “On top of that, he was a warm human being and friend to all. His loss will be deeply felt.”

Details regarding services will be provided on the District website, www.ysaqmd. org, when they are available.