Rachel Boyer, rachel.boyer@sierraclub.org
Anthony Victoria, A.Victoria@CCAEJ.org
DIAMOND BAR, C.A. -- Today the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) board proved that Southern California does not have to choose between our health and economy by supporting a rule to regulate the air quality in communities that are plagued by indirect sources of pollution like warehouses and railyards. By approving the indirect source rule, the AQMD signaled to the rest of the state that everyone deserves access to clean breathable air and communities should to invest in our clean energy future.
“Soon residents in Southern California will be able to breathe a bit easier, thanks to the leadership and progress the SCAQMD board showed today. By investing in zero-emission technology and directing warehouses, railyards and other shipping facilities to invest in green infrastructure, we are helping to build the road to a greener and healthier future,” said Sierra Club Senior Campaign Representative Carlo De La Cruz. “Today we applaud the progress made on behalf of the 18 million residents that live in South Coast Air District and we look forward to the day where we can all, literally, breathe a bit easier.”
“While this is a step in the right direction, the SCAQMD needs to ensure community and environmental experts are at the table,” said Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice Senior Community Organizer Ericka Flores. “People in our neighborhoods continue suffer from asthma and other breathing illnesses coming from trucks. It was only until we applied pressure that air regulators made this bold decision. Moving forward we want to work together with SCAQMD leaders to clean up industry’s act and make our communities better to live in.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
About the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice
The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) is one of the oldest and most accomplished environmental health and justice organizations in the nation, with a mission to bring people together to improve our social and natural environment. We do this by empowering diverse communities to create safer, healthier, toxic-free places to live, work, learn and play. Learn more at ccaej.org.