Senate Bill Adding Two Environmental Justice Reps To SCAQMD Passes California Senate Environmental Quality Committee

SACRAMENTO –The Senate Environmental Quality Committee April 13, passed Senate Bill No. 342 (SB 342) out of committee and is now headed to the Senate Governance and Finance Committee. The bill adding two environmental justice representatives to the South Coast Air Quality Management District or AQMD was introduced by Senator Lena Gonzalez and sponsored by San Diego County Board of Supervisors’ Chair Nathan Fletcher and  Communities for a Better Environment.

AQMD regulates air emissions from stationary sources located in the South Coast Air Basin. SB 342 will empower community involvement and promote equity by adding two environmental justice representatives to the South Coast Air Quality Management District governing board. Currently, 13 members comprise the board representing the south coast air basin region. The two new members will be required to live in and work directly with communities in the South Coast Air Basin that are disproportionately impacted by high levels of pollution. Adding these seats will empower the community and enhance local decision-making.

Others who testified in favor of the bill today were: California League of Conservation Voters, Coalition for Clean Air, Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club, and Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability.

The next steps for SB 342 to become law are as follows:

• Will be heard in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee
• Will be heard on the Senate Floor and referred to the Assembly
• Will be heard in the relevant Assembly Policy Committee
• Will be heard on the Assembly Floor and be referred to the Governor’s desk for signature.