At a recent congressional hearing, in response to accusations that climate change and the solutions proposed in the Green New Deal are issues for “rich liberals from … California,” U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) reminded us that climate change is “not an elitist issue; this is a quality of life issue.” The New York congresswoman may be considered a polarizing figure to some, but she is 100 percent right about this—climate change is affecting all communities, not just “elite” enclaves.
While California remains a climate leader with its historic greenhouse gas emission policies, 100 percent renewable energy law, and zero-emission vehicle goals, it is essential that environmental equity be prioritized in our state policies. While we all may contribute to poor air quality, the impact is not shared equally. Disadvantaged communities throughout the state have suffered the most.
A state report by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment reminds us that our largest climate polluters are located disproportionately in communities of color and along with the greenhouse gases they emit come toxic air contaminants that clog our lungs, devastate public health, and impair our quality of life.
This May as we celebrate Clean Air Month, we have the opportunity to educate the public about the correlation between clean air and respiratory health. We can also acknowledge the enormous, positive impact that the 1970 Clean Air Act has had on the way people think about the environment—both locally and globally.
I was recently appointed to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the state agency primarily responsible for protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution. Created by Gov. Ronald Reagan in 1967, the board is committed to a unified, statewide approach to reducing and eliminating the sources of air pollution in the state. The Community Air Protection Program, implemented by CARB, is a first-of-its-kind effort to improve air quality in communities that face the worst impacts of air pollution by working with local pollution control agencies and community-based organizations.
Clean air is essential to every Californian’s health, and during Clean Air Month I hope you will think of ways you can help improve our air quality so we can all breathe clean air throughout the year.
State Sen. Bill Monning
Carmel
This article appears in May 9-19, 2019.
We have to declare a Climate Emergency and start fighting seasons, snow, rain, days that are too sunny and basically any inconsistency in the climate which should always be exactly the same no matter what.
Possible closure of Diablo Canyon in 2024-25 will add many, many more tons of pollutants and CO2 to earths atmosphere. Senator Monning is not, to my knowledge, lifting a finger to save this magical clean energy, carbon free plant that is equal to five Hoover dams in clean energy production. Senator Monning also seems not to care about the economy of central coast residents.
Diablo Canyon pours an estimated $1.5 billion into our economies every year. Hundreds of high skill residents at the plant must sell their homes, essentially all at once, to find new work in larger cities.
Closing a carbon free plant that protects all of us and our planet seems a true crime against humanity and all life on earth.
But sorry people, cats and dogs and great whales in our seas, thats what it takes to get re-elected for one more cycle.
Call Senator Monning and all your elected representatives and demand they keep trouble free, carbon free Diablo Canyon operating another 50+ years as is possible. Tell them your vote for their reelection depends on what they do.
Renewables are fine but they last a short time before needing to be rebuilt (20 yrs). But first if politicians get their way we first have to figure out how to build the vast numbers of panels, wind generators and power lines. There is no plan for that, nor where to store vast toxic waste from current renewables.
Dont just complain. Take action. Thats how democracy succeeds.
William Gloege
Santa Maria, CA