AI-Generated Emails May Have Blocked Air Quality Regulations in Southern California
By Daniel Perez, News Editor
February 17, 2026
AI Intervention in Air Quality Debate
An AI-powered platform, CiviClick, generated at least 20,000 emails that opposed a proposal to phase out gas-powered appliances in Southern California, potentially influencing the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to scrap the plan. The employ of AI in civic engagement is raising concerns about the integrity of public discourse and the ability of elected officials to engage authentically with constituents.
The Defeated Proposal
The proposed rules, nearly two years in development, would have added a surcharge to gas appliances to incentivize a shift towards electric alternatives. This aimed to reduce air pollution, specifically nitrogen oxides (NOx) – a key component of smog – in Orange County and portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The regulations would have affected an estimated 10 million units and were projected to prevent the release of 6 tons of NOx daily, potentially averting 2,500 premature deaths and 10,000 novel asthma cases.
CiviClick and the Email Campaign
Public records requests, reviewed by The Los Angeles Times and confirmed by SCAQMD staff, revealed that over 20,000 opposing comments were generated by CiviClick, a Washington, D.C.-based company specializing in “AI-powered grassroots advocacy.” Matt Klink, a Southern California public affairs consultant, acknowledged using CiviClick for the opposition campaign in a sponsored article on Campaigns and Elections. The campaign reportedly “left the staff of the SCAQMD reeling.”
Concerns About Authenticity
The sheer volume of emails – typically, the SCAQMD receives only a handful of comments on agenda items – raised suspicions. When agency staff contacted a sample of commenters, three stated they hadn’t written the emails and were unaware of their submission. Despite these findings, the SCAQMD did not gather enough responses to definitively conclude the extent of the AI-generated influence.
Broader Implications and Industry Play
Experts warn that this incident represents a new phase in “digital astroturfing,” where artificial intelligence is used to create the illusion of widespread public opinion. Samuel Woolley, a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh studying disinformation, described it as an “emerging fossil fuel industry playbook.” Dylan Plummer, of the Sierra Club, echoed these concerns, calling CiviClick’s engagement “deeply disturbing.”
Klink, running Klink Campaigns and partnering with California Strategies, did not disclose the campaign’s funding source. California Strategies’ clients include the California Apartment Association, various energy groups, and Sempra, owner of Southern California Gas Co., according to 2025 lobbying data.
Legal Challenges and Political Context
The SCAQMD’s decision follows a 2023 federal appeals court ruling striking down Berkeley’s natural gas ban in new buildings, following a lawsuit from the California Restaurant Association. A warning from U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, a Trump appointee, threatened legal challenges to any gas appliance bans in Southern California.
The Board’s Decision
The SCAQMD board ultimately rejected the proposal by a vote of 7-5. Supporters of the rules argued they were a crucial step towards improving air quality and combating climate change, while opponents raised concerns about cost and potential strain on the power grid.