Coalition for Clean Air

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is currently grappling with how best to implement AB 32, California's landmark Global Warming Solutions Act, and has until December 11 to release their final plan. From the outset, CARB must be clear about how it plans to reduce pollution in all communities and strengthen those who have been hit hardest by America's addiction to pollution-driven energy. Here's how:

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First, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) must identify the California communities which are already saddled with an unfair air pollution burden. Knowing which communities are most polluted today is critical to designing effective policies that will protect Californians and strengthen our communities. This assessment should be completed in 2009.

Second, CARB should create a Community Benefits Fund so that a portion of any resources generated through the implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act goes towards accelerating pollution reductions in highly polluted areas and assisting low-income communities with adaptation programs.

Third, and finally, we must place a limit on how much pollution we allow to move from one community to another. While it's tempting to breathe a sigh of relief that California is taking action to address climate change, it's unfair to clean up the state for some Californians at the expense of others. This can be done through a combination of incentives and penalties that ensure all sources of pollution are reducing emissions.

California's climate-change solution has the potential to be emulated around the country and the world. If California is going to move forward with a cap-and-trade program we must get it right.

The Celebration
The rubber is finally meeting the road on the Clean Trucks Program at the nation's two largest ports, Los Angeles and Long Beach. Today marks the first day both Ports are enforcing pollution restrictions on port trucks. This important milestone launches the ambitious modernization of the 16,000 dirty and dilapidated diesel trucks currently serving the Ports.

"Dilapidated diesel trucks clogging our highways are choking Californians with their harmful exhaust," said Candice Kim, program associate at the Coalition for Clean Air (CCA). "We're thrilled to see the ports invest in a modernization effort which will bring stability, safety and environmental responsibility to the chaotic, race-to-the-bottom world of port trucking."

The Implementation
Taking a deep breath around what port communities call the "diesel death zone" will be a bit safer come tonight, as the oldest and dirtiest trucks—those made prior to 1989—are banned from moving goods to and from the Ports. The plan is designed to cut port truck pollution by 80% in the next five years. By 2012, all trucks must meet 2007 federal emission standards.

The Health Effects
The ships, trains and trucks that make up the goods movement system are largely powered by diesel. Diesel exhaust is well known to be hazardous to human health.

Since 1990, diesel exhaust has been listed as a known carcinogen under California's Proposition 65. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has estimated that 84% of the cancer risk from air pollution in our region is directly attributable to diesel emissions.

The Long Road
Today is a historic marker on this long road to cleaner trucks and cleaner ports. Industry obstructionists have brought litigation against the Ports' truck plans and have even petitioned the Bush Administration to get involved. CCA has joined with Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council to defend the Ports' plans against this lawsuit.

Pre-1989 truck is demolished and scrapped for recycling at the Port of Los Angeles

CCA is helping steer the Ports toward success in the implementation of their Clean Trucks Program. As a leading member of the Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports, CCA has proven how effective relationships between environmentalists and labor advocates can be. This coalition has identified workforce issues as being central to the sustainability of any cleanup effort. The Ports' Clean Trucks Program makes use of concession agreements to ban dirtier trucks from entering the Ports while providing financial incentives for use of the cleanest trucks. This campaign is being closely watched by labor and community based organizations around the nation that are hoping to replicate both this dynamic partnership and this momentous program.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's VETO of the Ports Investment Bill (SB 974 - Lowenthal) today has killed this year's most important environmental bill, leaving thousands of Californians quite literally gasping for air. His action ignores California's public health crisis: Every year some 3,700 Californians die due to air pollution from ports and goods movement. The public foots the bill for this dirty air-more than $19 billion in health-related costs yearly.

The Governor has betrayed the Californians who need his help the most. Instead of helping the ten people who die daily from this pollution source, he has turned his back on them and on his campaign promise to cut air pollution in half.

"It is upsetting that he has sided with polluters over the health and well-being of those here at home," said Martin Schlageter, campaign director at the Coalition for Clean Air.

If passed, the Ports Investment Bill would have collected more than $300 million per year to clean up port pollution and fix intersections where freight trains delay traffic.

The Coalition for Clean Air has fought tirelessly for four years alongside our friend and the author of SB 974, Senator Alan Lowenthal. Our coalition, including business, labor, government officials and environmental advocates, showed unwavering support; we thank everyone for fighting the good fight with us.

While the Ports Investment Bill has been vetoed, the work to clean up our ports continues. On October 1st, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will begin an aggressive Clean Trucks Program to reduce the harmful impacts of port truck pollution on our environment, public health, and the health of port truck drivers. This represents a major milestone in CCA's years-long effort to address major sources of pollution at the ports.

Coalition for Clean Air invites you to join our panel of environmental leaders and civic decision makers as they discuss:

Seating is free, but limited to RSVP guests only. Please RSVP by November 2nd to (310) 475-5738.

DAVID ALLGOOD
Southern California Director,
California League of Conservation Voters

Seating is free, but limited to RSVP guests only. Please RSVP by November 2nd to (310) 475-5738.

News Flash
Sarah Palin has written her letter to Governor Schwarzenegger. Have you?

As reported in the LA Times, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has asked Governor Schwarzenegger to veto the Ports Investment Bill (SB 974 - Lowenthal).

We're counting on Governor Schwarzenegger to stand up for California against special interests from out of state.

SB 974 would save lives in California. For too long, international trade has been subsidized by the lives and lungs of Californians. Every year 3,700 Californians die prematurely from ports and freight transportation pollution.

California wants cleaner ports and investments that fix traffic clogged intersections. The state legislature has passed SB 974, and polls by the Public Policy Institute of California show that a large majority of Californians support it.

"The governor is committed to doing what's best for Californians," said Schwarzenegger's spokesperson in the LA Times article. We're counting on it! The Governor must put California first, not out-of-state special interests like Alaska's Governor, the Bank of Hawaii, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Potato Commission.

California's leading environmental, public health and civic organizations support SB 974, including:

American Academy of Pediatrics California Division
American Lung Association of California
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association
California League of Conservation Voters
California Nurses Association
California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
Coalition for Clean Air
Fresno Metro Ministry
Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma
Long Beach Unified School District
LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Association
Orange County Transportation Authority
San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
San Francisco Medical Society
San Leandro Healthy Communities
Sierra Club California

“It’s an interesting show with a strong, almost seething minimalist sense to it. Speaking of otherworldly landscapes, think of what human habitation can do to our environment.”

Join the Coalition for Clean Air on Thursday, September 4th for an oil painting exhibition on the Valley’s air pollution issues and an educational forum focusing on indoor air pollution associated with common consumer products. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to incorporate art and education! Admission is free.

Where
Broadway Studio Gallery ‘B’
1416 Broadway Street, Fresno, CA 93721

When
Thursday, September 4th
ArtHop Reception 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Clean Air Forum 6:00pm – 7:30pm

About the artist
Mimi Mott-Smith holds a master’s degree in nursing and public health. She is a peer reviewer for the Nurse Practitioner Journal. Her teaching responsibilities include precepting at UMC and Selma and conducting newborn nursery rounds. Included in her many talents are painting and artisan jewelry making.

“Oil paintings of the Central Valley landscapes provoke us to examine issues related to water and air in the region.” – The Fresno Bee, July 31, 2008

The Coalition for Clean Air was presented with an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 2008 Electrical Industry Award. This honor was given to CCA for exceptional efforts and dedication in promoting the use of electrical power to reduce the pollution from ships that would otherwise idle their engines while docked. In December of last year, California began requiring ships to use shore-side power, with a series of deadlines beginning in 2010. According to the state, this rule will reduce diesel and smog-forming emissions from idling ships by nearly 50 percent by 2014, and 80 percent by 2020.

Program Associate Candice Kim accepted the award on behalf of CCA at the IBEW barbecue. The event was held at IBEW's training facility in Commerce, California, which boasts a half-megawatt solar installation on the roof.

Other awardees included Maria Elena Durazo of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Long Beach Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga, and the Los Angeles Apollo Alliance of which CCA is a central member.

The Coalition for Clean Air thanks IBEW for recognizing our work and we will continue working together to bring green energy solutions to California.

On the heels of a statewide poll showing broad support, the state Senate today approved SB 974 (Lowenthal) with a 22 to 9 vote. The bill would clean up port pollution and fix intersections clogged with cargo traffic. Its long journey through the legislative gauntlet now puts it squarely in front of Governor Schwarzenegger.

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) has released their eighth Statewide Survey on the environment, citing that Californians rank air pollution as the most important environmental issue facing the Golden State. Alberto Mendoza, President and CEO of the Coalition for Clean Air, is speaking on an Ethnic Media Briefing panel today, representing the Latino voice while discussing the recently released survey.

Sacramento, CA – The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has approved a new regulation to reduce harmful pollution caused by massive oceangoing vessels, including container ships, cruise ships and oil tankers that call on California’s ports and transport products up and down our coastline.

After years of work by cities, residents, labor organizations, business groups, health advocates and environmentalists, SB 974 was approved today by the California State Assembly with a 45 to 23 vote. With the upcoming expected concurrence of the Senate, it will reach Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for final approval.

Urged by clean air advocates and the state's largest janitors' union, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) said they will address smog-forming emissions and toxics from cleaning products at their November 26, 2008, hearing.

Clean Air Advocates and Janitors' Union Call on State to Reduce Toxics and Smog-forming Emissions from Cleaning Products

Consumer products, including cleaning products, are expected to be the largest source of smog-forming emissions in the state by 2020 - surpassing cars! Many of these products contain high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to California's smog and are associated with toxics (cancer-causing chemicals).

Press Conference Urges Legislature and Governor to Pass Landmark Ports Investment Bill

"We have a crisis on our hands. When an estimated ten people die prematurely each day due to pollution associated with ports and freight movement, that is a crisis. This bill [SB 974- Lowenthal] is a solution to this crisis," said Martin Schlageter, addressing the media at a press conference today in support of the Ports Investment Bill.

Leaders from the nonprofit, business, political and transportation communities joined together in support of the Ports Investment Bill [SB 974-Lowenthal]. The press conference was held in front of the historic San Gabriel Mission, where the Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority plans to put railroad tracks in a trench to separate them from the street and reduce congestion through the San Gabriel Valley. SB 974 allots 50% of the more than $400 million in projected revenues collected to fund grade-separation projects like this one, throughout Southern California.

On June 20th CCA celebrates its most successful fundraiser, the 2008 California Air Quality Awards, honoring California leaders who have made exemplary contributions to combat global warming.

Honoring:
Edmund G. Brown Jr., California Attorney General
Harry Shearer, comedian
Google, Inc
Dr. Stephen H. Schneider, Climatologist
Ralph B. Perry III, for lifetime achievement

Silver
Air Products ▪ The Better World Group, Inc. & J Knapp Communications ▪ DeMenno/Kerdoon ▪ Gladstein, Neandross & Associates ▪ Hydrogen Energy International, LLC ▪ The Port of Long Beach ▪ The Port of Los Angeles ▪ Toyota ▪ UPS ▪ Verizon Wireless ▪ The Walt Disney Company ▪ Warner Bros. Entertainment

Bronze
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ▪ Capstone Turbine Corporation ▪ City of Burbank Water and Power ▪ Environment Now ▪ General Motors Corp. ▪ Gensler ▪ Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ▪ Mayor Brown LLP ▪ Paramount ▪ Paul, Hasting, Janofsky & Walker ▪ Union Pacific ▪ Velocity Vehicle Group ▪ Waste Management ▪ Weston, Benshoof, Rochefort, Rubalcava & MacCuish LLP

President and CEO Alberto Mendoza, “Champion of Clean Air,” featured in the May edition of Latino Leaders, The Green Issue

“The reality is that this cannot be done by one person. Having a team is necessary, and it is our obligation to bring new voices to the environmental movement. Such work and engaging Latinos in California and eventually across the country is important to me,” said Mendoza to Latino Leaders writer, Francis Lora.

Protecting California’s Communities from Global Warming Impacts: AB 32 Concept Paper

In 2006, California passed a landmark global warming legislation (AB 32) that requires reducing greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020. CCA has proposed an innovative approach outlining opportunities that will better protect impacted communities from global warming and air pollution impacts.

Currently the ARB is seeking recommendations on how to make the AB 32 implementation plan more effective. The plan must be adopted by January 1, 2009. CCA recommends that the ARB include the following three important factors into their 'scoping plan':

To read more about CCA's recommendations on the implementation of AB 32, Click here.

San Pedro (April 17, 2008) – Program Associate, Candice Kim delivered a powerful speech to a crowd of more than 2,000 people last night at the culmination rally for the three day march “From Hollywood to the Docks.”

Over the course of the journey an estimated 200 labor union workers marched from Hollywood to the Port of Los Angeles in support of unionized labor throughout Los Angeles.

The Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports joined the Teamsters on stage in celebration of both unionized labor and the Port of LA’s recent unanimous vote on a Clean Trucks Plan.

Other speakers at the event included: labor leader Maria Elena Durazo, Councilwoman Janis Hahn, Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa Jr. and LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

News Flash
Program Associate, Kim, highlighted in Clean Truck Plan victory video

Candice Kim gives remarks about the Port of Los Angeles’ Clean Trucks Plan. The video was compiled by the Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports.

Leading California clean air advocates encourage California’s elected officials for tougher clean air legislation

SACRAMENTO (March 21, 2008) - The staff and board of directors of the Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) will take the state Capitol by storm on Wednesday, March 26th, advocating for two bills, SB 974 and SB 240. Both aim to reduce air pollution and protect public health throughout California. CCA is at the forefront of California’s clean air initiatives and seeks legislators’ support of strong measures that will reduce air pollutants and the associated health risks.

“Our hope is to inform elected officials on the harmful effects air pollution has on the health of Californians so that they will support SB 974 and SB 240,” said Coalition for Clean Air CEO, Alberto Mendoza.

News Flash
Port of Los Angeles Unanimously Approves Landmark Plan to Clean Up Port Trucks

The Port of Los Angeles unanimously adopted a comprehensive Clean Trucks Program (CTP) March 20, 2008. At the press conference immediately following, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa asked Program Associate Candice Kim to join him on stage as he thanked her for the good work of the Coalition for Clean Air in its continued efforts to push the newly adopted plan.

This program is a critical step in reducing the harmful impacts of port truck pollution on our environment, public health and the health of port truck drivers. It represents a major milestone in the years-long effort to address major sources of pollution at the port. CCA has been there every step of the way and has worked hard for the development and passage of an effective plan to clean up port trucks.

Noted Environmental Health Expert, Shankar Prasad, joins the Coalition for Clean Air

(Sacramento) Noted expert in environmental health and the former Deputy Secretary for Science and Environmental Justice for the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal-EPA) has joined our staff. Dr. Shankar Prasad will serve as an Executive Fellow for CCA, supporting the organization's work on global warming, freight transportation, toxics, and California's State Implementation Plan for air pollution.

"It is very rare that a small non-profit organization has the opportunity to bring on someone with Dr. Prasad's knowledge and experience. We know he will help us and our allies advocate more effectively for pollution reductions and protecting the health of all Californians," said Tim Carmichael, CCA's Senior Policy Director.

(December 19, 2007) Port of Long Beach Approves Container Fee to Fund Truck Clean Up. Port of Los Angeles is expected to approve an identical fee on Thursday.

This week, the nation’s largest ports are taking a billion and a half steps toward clean air. The Long Beach harbor commission unanimously approved a container fee on Monday that is expected to generate $1.6 billion between the two ports to subsidize truck retrofits and the purchase of cleaner trucks. The Port of Los Angeles is expected to adopt an identical funding mechanism on Thursday.

News Flash
State Puts a Deadline on Old, Dirty Diesel Trucks at Ports and Rail Yards

(December 7, 2007) - State air quality regulators are on a roll. So too will be cleaner trucks that haul cargo to and from ports and rail yards throughout California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted unanimously today to a strict timeline that will retire the dirtiest diesel trucks that are among the worst offenders in California’s pollution crisis. This comes on the heels of a landmark action yesterday to cut the deadly pollution from ships docked at California ports. The Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) and fellow advocates closely tracked the air agency’s two-day meeting.

News Flash
State Air Board Votes Unanimously to Clean Up Ships in California's Ports

(December 6, 2007) - Action taken today by state air regulators will save lives by cutting the deadly pollution from ships docked at California ports. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted unanimously today to require ships to use shore-side power, with a series of deadlines beginning in 2010. According to CARB, this rule will reduce diesel and smog-forming emissions from idling container, cruise, and refrigerated cargo ships by nearly 50 percent relative to levels otherwise expected to be emitted in 2014, and 80 percent by 2020.

(Friday, October 26, 2007) – As a sign that the state is taking port pollution seriously, today the California Air Resources Board (CARB) directed its staff to strengthen a proposed regulation to reduce air pollution from the many boats operating in California’s ports (known as the harbor craft regulation). The board was expected to vote on the regulation today, however, they decided to hold off until November. Led by Chair Mary Nichols, the board decided to give their staff time to make adjustments so as to accelerate reducing public exposure from harmful pollutants.

(Oct. 14, 2007) - The Governor answered the pleas of San Joaquin Valley residents by signing SB 719 (Machado), advancing efforts by health, faith, community, and environmental leaders to reform the air board for one of the region’s dirtiest air basins.

Coalition for Clean Air Applauds AQMD’s New $1 Million Grant Program To Help Southland Dry Cleaners Switch to Non-Toxic, Non-Smog Forming Systems

This new $1 million grant program will help dry cleaners switch from using the toxic chemical perchloroethylene, also known as “perc,” to two new and safer technologies: professional wet cleaning and the CO2 system. To date, it is the AQMD’s largest grant program for these technologies.

State Air Board Approves Additional Smog Reductions in Response to CCA Complaints

(SEPT. 28, 2007) - The California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted a statewide air plan that commits to roughly 100 additional tons per day of pollution reductions. These additional reductions are a response to widespread outcry over smog plans that delay clean air for the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley.

(Sept. 26, 2007 ) - Cleaner running trucks are warehoused in Montebello, while dirty ones fill Washington Boulevard and nearby freeways. Community activists and port truck drivers want to know why. The cleaner trucks, which run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), are sitting idle while neighborhoods across the Southland must endure toxic diesel fumes.

This bill is critically important as it will ensure that the membership of the San Joaquin Valley air board includes additional representation from urban and rural Valley areas and, most importantly, local health experts.

SACRAMENTO (Sept. 6, 2007) – With hundreds of millions of dollars on the line to combat pollution, the Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) continues to press for passage of the Ports Investment Bill (SB 974) after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he would back the idea of container fees but needed several more months to work on the legislation.

CCA is cautiously optimistic after the governor said yesterday he would “support the concept of SB 974 and want to work together with Senator Lowenthal on the bill so it addresses the future of goods movement while also reducing environmental impacts.”

Port Investment Bill Protects Public Health, State Economy and Our Ports!

Learn about the bill

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