FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Wednesday, March 1, 2017
CONTACT: Shawn Dhanak, 517-449-0402, shawn.dhanak@sierraclub.org
***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR MARCH 3 AT 9 AM***
Southern California Air Regulators to Take Final Vote in Major Showdown Over Air Quality Plan
Sierra Club and partners to again mobilize residents to attend and demand air regulators strengthen a critical 15-year air quality plan before the final vote is taken
DIAMOND BAR, CA -- On Friday March 3, Southern California’s air quality will be up for a vote again by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) governing board. After hundreds of residents rallied for clean air outside AQMD Headquarters and hours of public testimony at last month’s hearing, a vote to approve the critical South Coast Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) was postponed to this Friday. The Sierra Club along with environmental justice and health advocacy partners will again mobilize community members to attend the vote and demand the weak AQMP be strengthened so that it actually holds polluters accountable. A media availability with a rally-like feel will take place immediately following the vote. Members of the media are strongly encouraged to attend.
BACKGROUND: The South Coast Air Basin has never achieved safe air standards for smog under the Clean Air Act. It is number one in the nation for ozone, or smog, and fifth for particulate matter, or soot. It’s been generations since Southern California residents had safe, clean air to breathe, and progress has once again stalled. The consequences of this failure to achieve clean air are severe. AQMD estimates 5,000 die prematurely every year from breathing polluted air. With thousands of preventable deaths per year, stalled progress, and strict deadlines to meet safe air standards in 2023 and 2031, this is the most important plan in decades.
WHEN: Friday, March 3, 2017 at 9 a.m. A media availability will take place immediately following the final vote.
WHERE: South Coast AQMD Headquarters
21865 Copley Drive - Diamond Bar, CA 91765
VISUALS: During the media availability, approximately 100 concerned residents will stand behind speakers with creative signs about the need for clean air. The media availability will conclude with a rally-like chant for safe air.
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