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ej -- Environmental Justice
Posted: 21 Apr 2016 13:04:16
SB 1387 adds three new environmental justice representatives to the SCAQMD board . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2016 CONTACT: Claire.Conlon@sen.ca.gov (916) 651-4024 Senate Committee Approves SCAQMD Bill to Boost Voice of Communities Impacted Most by Air Pollution SB 1387 Adds Three New Environmental Justice Representative to District Board SACRAMENTO – The Senate Committee on Environmental Quality today approved a measure by Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) to give communities suffering most from air pollution greater say at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Approved by a vote of 5-2, SB 1387 adds three new environmental justice representatives to the SCAQMD board while taking steps to ensure board compliance of state and federal clean-air laws. “After decades of bi-partisan support for clean air in our region, an effort began last year to install an anti-clean air majority on the board.” said Senator De León. “Now, they are in control of the board and pushing an agenda that harms the health of children and families. Residents in the region will not tolerate this board taking us back to the days of smog blanketing our communities – they demand clean air and cleaner energy.” The SCAQMD has taken decidedly anti-clean air positions since Republicans recently gained a seven-member majority on the 13-member board. Today, the board does not reflect the will of the people, and it certainly does not mirror the diverse racial and socioeconomic composition of its constituents who are most burdened by pollution (article). SB 1387 aims to neutralize industry influence on the board by increasing its membership to 16, with the Governor, Assembly Speaker, and Senate Pro Tem each with an additional appointment. “I anticipate that the new environmental justice appointments will give a stronger voice to low-income communities of color that disproportionality suffers from air pollution. For their sake we cannot afford to turn back the clock on our clean-air regulations,” said Senator De León. ### Claire Conlon Press Secretary Office of Senate President pro Tempore Senator Kevin de León 24th Senate District – Los Angeles (916) 651-4024 Senator Kevin de León Add Comment California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips.