California Nurses Association, the largest organization of registered nurses, has announced its support for Senate Bill 760. EN ESPAÑOL

Expressing unity with a diverse list of existing supporters, the California Nurses Association (CNA) has announced its support for SB 760 (Lowenthal) a bill that will help the state's largest ports invest in pollution reduction technologies by collecting funds from each shipping container.

Representing 65,000 registered nurses, CNA members work on the frontlines of the battle against air pollution, treating patients who suffer from pollution-induced asthma, bronchitis, reduced lung function, stroke and cancer.

"High smog levels in Los Angeles have been linked to increased rates of asthma. In Long Beach, 15 percent of children age 17 or younger have been diagnosed with asthma, according to a 2003 county health survey. That compares with 8 percent nationally," said Donna Gerber, Director of Government Relations of the California Nurses Association. "SB 760 will allow the ports to remain competitive, protect jobs, and protect the health of Californians; for these reasons, the California Nurses Association supports SB 760."

CNA's support for SB 760 is a welcome addition to a growing list of supporters, including environmental, health and organized labor organizations, as well as local cities and chambers of commerce. The bill authorizes the ports to collect $30 for each shipping container moving through California's two largest ports. These funds will be re-invested to establish safer ports. Specifically the funds will go directly in thirds towards: technologies to reduce pollution, enhance security, and reduce congestion at the ports. SB 760 was introduced last year in the state Senate. The bill faces two hurdles before it can become law, including a vote on the Assembly Floor later this summer and the Governor's signature.

In addition to the Coalition for Clean Air and California Nurses Association, SB 760 is supported by:

The American Lung Association of California,
CA Teamsters Public Affairs Council,
South Coast Air Quality Management District,
Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma,
The First Congregational Church of Long Beach,
City of Long Beach,
Cámara Latina de Industria y Comercio de Lynwood ,
City of Rancho Palos Verdes,
Temple City,
City of Alhambra,
City of Arcadia,
Lakewood Chamber of Commerce,
City of Covina,
West Long Beach Association
Lynwood Chamber of Commerce,
Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce,
South Bay Council of Governments,
San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Association,
Metropolitan Transportation Authority,
Natural Resources Defense Council,
Sierra Club California,
Planning and Conservation League,
San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments,
San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership,
South Gate Chamber of Commerce,
Downey Chamber of Commerce,
Coalition for a Safe Environment
Union of Concerned Scientists,
The Breast Cancer Fund,
E2 Environmental Entrepreneurs,
Blue Water Network,
Environmental Defense
and Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority.

If you or your organization wishes to be added to the list of supporters for SB760 please contact Rafael Pizarro, Senior Campaign Associate for the Coalition for Clean Air at Rafael@coaltionforcleanair.org