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Save the Date - Quarterly Luncheon Oct 1 |
Suspend AB 32? Join the debate on Oct. 1
Save the date for the next Cleaner Air Partnership Quarterly Luncheon: it's Friday, October 1 from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. at the Citrus Heights Community Center.
Proposition 23 on the November ballot is the most pressing legislation impacting air quality in our region. AB 32, California's Global Warming Solutions Act that was signed into law in 2006, sets out to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California to 1990 levels by the year 2020. Proposition 23 would suspend the global warming law until the California unemployment rate is 5.5% or less for four consecutive calendar quarters.
Our next Quarterly Luncheon will profile the merits of Proposition 23 with invited guest speakers that represent all sides of the important issue. Speakers will be announced shortly. Seating is limited and we expect the community center space will fill up quickly. Save your seat today and RSVP here.
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Breathe California Launches
Air Quality iPhone App |
iBreathe mobile app: Air quality info goes high-tech
The Sacramento Region is ranked as having some of the worst air quality in the nation and asthma and other damaging health impacts affect far too many people here. To help parents, kids, seniors, and advocates get instant access to the latest air quality conditions, Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails (BCSET) teamed up with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) to develop a new mobile iPhone application - iBreathe: Sacramento.
This new application puts air quality conditions in the hands of iPhone users, displaying air quality information on 15 areas and cities in the Greater Sacramento region. Data are provided in real-time, and notifications can be customized by level of sensitivity and by geographic area. With an easy-to-understand map of air quality, users can make more informed choices regarding outdoor activities and modes of transportation, leading to improved health and regional air quality.
The iBreathe: Sacramento app can be downloaded at no charge at the iTunes store. Non-iPhone users can find forecast information directly at www.sparetheair.com.
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PPIC Releases 2010 Environment Survey |
Californians name air pollution the State's most important environmental issue
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) recently released their 2010 statewide survey of Californians and the Environment. The survey found that air pollution continues to be the most important environmental issue to Californians, with majorities of residents in Los Angeles, the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties), and the Central Valley (from Shasta to Kern County) saying air pollution is a very serious or somewhat serious health threat. The PPIC survey found the majority of Californians are supportive of tougher air pollution standards and regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The results showed positive support for reduced pollution from new automobile designs, industrial plants, and improved land-use planning, but the survey did not inquire about personal lifestyle changes the survey participants would be willing to make.
A majority of Californians (67%) and likely voters (61%) continue to support AB 32, California's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California to 1990 levels by the year 2020. Mark Baldassare, PPIC president and CEO said "The lingering effect of the recession and a continuing state budget crisis haven't changed Californians' overall view of AB 32. While support has declined somewhat since 2007, a solid majority still favors the law." When likely voters were interviewed about the timing of AB 32 implementation, there was an even split with 48% believing California should implement immediately and 48% preferring to wait for an improved economy and job market.
Click here for the full report.
