Legislation to Equalize Climate Policy and Prioritize California’s Disadvantaged Communities Advances

SACRAMENTO — Yesterday, legislation authored by Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and supported by a broad coalition of environmental justice groups which include The Greenlining Institute, Coalition for Clean Air, Public Advocates Inc., and Asian Pacific Environmental Network, passed out of the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources.
“Today is a small victory for some of our most underrepresented communities throughout the state,” stated Senator Lara. “I am proud that my colleagues joined me today to show their support for SB 605 that will update and equalize California’s climate policy by ensuring that auction revenues are spent as intended; to improve air quality and health for all Californians.”
SB 605 will ensure the expenditure of future funds in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. As available, these funds will be used to assist impacted and disadvantaged communities by financing programs to improve air quality and health beginning January 1, 2014. The amendments also protect these funds in future years.
Communities along busy freeways and close to oil refineries across the state are disproportionately impacted by pollution, poor air quality and soot. To alleviate these health hazards, these communities were promised funds through the passage of SB 535 (de León), together with AB 1532 (Pérez) in 2012, to improve air quality and to make California a healthier place to live. Due to budgetary constraints, these funds have not been spent as intended. SB 605 seeks to remedy this.
Quotes from stakeholders:
“SB 605 will bring faster progress towards cleaner air and healthier communities,” said Greenlining Institute Environmental Equity Director Vien Truong. “It will also mean less pollution and more good jobs for Californians.”
“Residents of overburdened communities have voted for and demanded a healthier California through our climate laws; we need to invest in programs that get us there sooner rather than later.” said Mari Rose Taruc, State Organizing Director of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network.
“SB 605 would help residents of our most polluted and impoverished communities to breathe easier,” said Bill Magavern, Policy Director of Coalition for Clean Air.
“It is only fair that residents who are getting sick from air pollution be the first to benefit from clean air investments, said Guillermo Mayer, senior staff attorney with Public Advocates Inc. “SB 605 would place them first in line.”
SB 605 is intended to ensure that AB 32—a California state law—benefits Californians first. This bill now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
For more information please visit this link:
http://sd33.senate.ca.gov/