In 2006, the landmark Global Warming Solutions Act — AB 32 — was signed into law, setting a statewide cap on greenhouse gas emissions. The first law of its kind in the nation, AB 32 is serving as a model for other governments that want to seriously address climate change. But, because of the ambitious goals set forth by the law, the game plan as to how and where the emission reductions happen is still being worked out.
One of the goals of AB 32 is to ensure that low-income and minority communities are strengthened by efforts to tackle the climate crisis. We have seen recent examples of disadvantaged communities that didn’t have support from their government to prepare for more extreme weather patterns brought on by global warming — think Hurricane Katrina. We also know that reducing emissions from the polluting industries which tend to cluster in poorer neighborhoods will bring about positive public health impacts — think of the asthma rates in port towns like Long Beach and West Oakland.
Fortunately, Californian Senator Kevin De León gets this and has introduced Senate Bill 535 to make sure that all communities in the state can be better prepared for the challenges of global warming. Specifically, SB 535 creates the Communities Healthy Air Revitalization Trust to direct a portion of the revenues generated from AB 32 to help Californians who are the least able to confront the expected effects of the climate crisis at the local level.
“Many Californians are still unjustly burdened by harmful air quality and chronic respiratory illness simply because of their neighborhood,” stated De León. “Monies set aside [by SB 535] will give access to health and environmental clean-up funds to our state’s most economically disadvantaged and most often polluted communities.”
And, understandably, it’s not just the environmental community onboard. SB 535 is also supported by a number of civil rights organizations.
“The truth is climate change impacts people of color and low-income communities first and worst. From epidemics of asthma to water shortages, our most vulnerable cities, like Oakland and Wilmington, are disproportionately impacted. [SB 535] is an important solution to building an equitable green economy that improves the health and wealth of our working families,” said Jakada Imani, Executive Director, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights.
Besides the obvious public health and environmental benefits that will result with the passage of SB 535, the bill will also help revive local economies.
“According to the guidelines set forth in AB 32, these funds will also ensure these communities see the benefit of California’s investment in the clean technology economy,” added De León. “We’re looking at a win-win for these communities, cleaner neighborhoods and better jobs with skills that will be in demand in the new economy.”
Please help ensure the passage of SB 535. The bill will soon be heard on the floor of the Senate. Take a quick moment to contact your State Senator in support of the bill today. [[TAKE ACTION]]
