Press Release

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.

The Air Board's Sept. 27 approval includes accelerated mobile-source air quality measures that will help these regions get to clean air faster than CARB's original proposal, with a commitment to reduce an additional 26-31 tons of pollution from the San Joaquin Valley and 76 tons from the South Coast.

"We're encouraged that the state air board will help us breathe easier by reducing pollution from some of the Valley's worst mobile-source air pollution offenders," explained Sarah Sharpe, with the Coalition for Clean Air (CCA). CARB voted to support accelerated clean up of diesel operated heavy-duty trucks as well as tractors and construction equipment operating in the Valley. "Now our local air district needs to step up, to that end we're thrilled CARB will step in."

While environmentalists applauded CARB for the progress made since hearing its initial proposal in June, the plans still leave the state's skies and some details a little too hazy.

In fact, half the state smog plan is still undefined because it lacks specific measures, said Tim Carmichael, CCA Senior Director of Policy. "You can't pick up this plan and do everything in it and know that you will get clean air by a certain date," he said. "That means residents in the San Joaquin Valley and the Southern California regions may continue to breathe the worst air pollution in the country."

Over the past year, CCA staff has been working closely with advocates in the San Joaquin Valley to push for a smog clean-up plan that meets federal standards by 2017. CCA staff led efforts to coordinate meetings with policy-makers and worked alongside Valley advocates to keep the pressure on. CARB's actions are the first concrete steps to respond to the seriousness of the problem. CARB has also committed to review the local air district's plan for more reductions from stationary sources.

# # #

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.

>> Press Release Archives <<