<p>Wal-Mart Regional Distribution Center Environmental Impact Report (EIR) mandated climate change and air quality analyses for the proposed development of this large distribution center in the City of Merced. The project included a special cumulative impacts discussion to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the project and its influence on global climate change. An analysis of how the addition of the proposed distribution center would result in a net change in the miles traveled by Wal-Mart trucks serving retail stores throughout the California was conducted. In order to offset GHG emissions generated by the center, a range of mitigation measures were investigated, including the development of a rail spur connecting the proposed site to a nearby rail line so that goods could be hauled to the distribution center by rail, which is more GHG-efficient method of freight transport than truck hauling. Other GHG mitigation measures incorporated the installation of solar panels in all available areas of the project site, including the roof of the warehouse building, retaining portions of the walnut orchard that currently stands on the project site and developing a program to replace removed trees at an off-site location, and requiring the applicant to develop and maintain an inventory of all GHG emissions generated by project operations. In addition, a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) was prepared to analyze diesel particulate matter exhaust emitted by on-site idling and movements by haul trucks, &ldquo;yard trucks,&rdquo; and back-up generators, as well as other Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) emitted by the char broiler at the employee cafeteria.&nbsp; As part of this HRA, air quality specialists worked with project engineers to alter the project design to create a set-back between on-site truck activity and the nearest off-site sensitive receptors.</p>