The Golden West Section include two local Chapters of the Air & Waste Management Association, which, in addition to the activities of the Section, provide a local program for members who reside in their local area. These Chapters include:

Mother Lode Chapter. The Mother Lode Chapter provides a local program to members in the Sacramento Valley. The Chapter holds its meetings primarily in Sacramento. The Mother Lode Chapter has sponsored a series of conferences on Air Toxics, which has gained national recognition. Additionally, the Chapter holds dinner meetings and conferences with speakers discussing timely environmental issues.

Golden Empire Chapter. The Golden Empire Chapter provides a local program to members in the San Joaquin Valley. The Chapter's activities are generally in Bakersfield and in Fresno. The Golden Empire Chapter provides a series of dinner meetings and specialty conferences and provides its own scholarship program.