Press Release

Real Life Action Hero: Governor Takes Action to Clean Valley Air Valley Residents Applaud Governor's Leadership on Important Air Quality Legislation.

(Oct. 14, 2007) - Today the Governor answered the pleas of San Joaquin Valley residents seeking relief from unhealthy air by signing SB 719 (Machado), thereby advancing efforts by health, faith, community, and environmental leaders to reform the air board for one of the region's dirtiest air basins. Governor Schwarzenegger proved he really is committed to clean air for all Californians and especially those suffering from some of the worst air in the nation: residents of the San Joaquin Valley.

"This is a huge step in the right direction," stated Carolina Simunovic of Fresno Metro Ministry and co-chair of CVAQ. "We consider the Valley's air pollution problem a moral issue and changing the air board was the right thing to do. We commend the Governor for doing the right thing."

SB 719 gives the Governor the authority to appoint one medical doctor and one scientist to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Governing Board. Both experts have to reside in the region and have knowledge in the health effects of air pollution. The bill also adds two more city council representatives to the Board. This alters the composition of the Board which will grow to 15 members from its current composition of locally elected officials - 8 county supervisors and 3 rotating city council members. These new members will give more Valley communities a much-needed voice in air quality decision making and will strengthen the air district's medical and scientific capacity.

"Clearly the health of Valley residents is a priority for the Governor," confirmed Kim Thompson of the Fresno Madera Medical Society. "He recognizes our epidemic of air pollution-related disease, and has opened the way for a solution - informed by Valley medical and science expertise. The medical community is ready to move forward in support."

In June, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger reprimanded the state and Valley air boards for their decisions to delay clean-up of ozone pollution until 2024. He stated, "When one out of six residents in the San Joaquin Valley has been diagnosed with asthma, and one in five children carry an inhaler to school, it is a call to action." His action today signing SB 719 into law demonstrates the Governor's commitment to achieving clean air for the Valley.

"This sends a clear message to the Valley Air District that the status quo is no longer good enough," said Sarah Sharpe of the Coalition For Clean Air, "the Governor has really proven his commitment to the breathers of the San Joaquin Valley, now the Air District needs to step up to the plate and do the same. We are hopeful that this improved Board will lead us on the path to clean air faster and sooner."

While the Central Valley Air Quality Coalition has championed this bill since its inception five years ago, we still believe there is much more that needs to be done before the valley will achieve the health-based air quality standards. The Coalition continues to push for an accelerated clean up of ozone pollution, from the current deadline of 2024 to 2017 or sooner. We uphold our commitment to improving the health of Californians by seeking full and vigorous enforcement of the federal Clean Air Act in the San Joaquin Valley, strengthening State law and District regulations relating to air quality, and educating the public about the serious health impacts of air pollution.

"We thank the legislators who supported us and the Governor for signing the bill but the struggle to achieve environmental justice for all the low-income communities of color in the Valley continues." reminded Rey León of Latino Environmental Advancement and Policy Project and co-chair of CVAQ.

Media Availability
Our members will be available in 2 locations:

Fresno- 11am
Elm Health Center
2790 S. Elm Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706-5435
Tel: (559) 457-5200
Hosted by California Air Resources Board For more info call Sarah Sharpe (559)355-8933 or Liza Bolaños (559)313-9485

Sacramento-11am
West Capitol Steps
California State Capitol
Hosted by Central Valley Air Quality Coalition
Coordinator: Rafael Aguilera (916) 752-2929

About CVAQ (Central Valley Air Quality) Coalition:

CVAQ is a partnership of more than 85 community, medical, public health, faith, labor, environmental and environmental justice organizations representing thousands of residents in the San Joaquin Valley. www.calcleanair.org

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For more than 35 years, the non-profit Coalition for Clean Air has been committed to restoring clean air to California. With offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles and Fresno, it is dedicated to strengthening the environmental movement by promoting broad-based community involvement, advocating responsible public policy and providing technical expertise.

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