HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05112010 - C.31RECOMMENDATION(S):
ADOPT Resolution No. 2010/248, urging the State of California to adopt strong rules for
reducing smog and other criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases, and to promote the
rapid deployment of zero emission vehicle technology, as recommended by Supervisor
Gioia.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action has no fiscal impact on the County's budget.
BACKGROUND:
The American Lung Association in California appreciates the County of Contra Costa for its
leadership in reducing greenhouse gases and promoting cleaner and more efficient vehicles
in California. Contra Costa County's support for California’s Global Warming Solutions Act
(Assembly Bill 32, Nuñez, 2006) and the Clean Cars rule (Assembly Bill 1493, Pavley,
2002) was helpful in the adoption of these ground-breaking programs.
California’s clean air programs have become models for national
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 05/11/2010 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I
Supervisor
Gayle B. Uilkema, District II
Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Susan A. Bonilla, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: L. DeLaney, (925)
335-1097
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board
of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: May 11, 2010
David J. Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: Katherine Sinclair, Deputy
cc:
C.31
To:Board of Supervisors
From:David Twa, County Administrator
Date:May 11, 2010
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Resolution No. 2010/248 to Support AB 32, SB 375 and Clean Cars
BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
and international action. However, California remains home to some of the dirtiest air in
the nation, which especially affects the health of our children and the elderly and
contributes to billions in health care costs as the result of thousands of asthma attacks,
hospitalizations and deaths each year in our state. Without significant action, global
warming will add to these public health and economic burdens. Further reducing
emissions from passenger vehicles remains a key element in California’s fight against air
pollution, global warming and chronic illness.
The American Lung Association in California is seeking the County's support in the form
of a resolution to ensure that California continues to make strong progress in these fights.
The attached resolution urges the State of California to adopt strong rules for reducing
smog and other criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases, and to promote the rapid
deployment of zero emission vehicle technology. The resolution also supports
California’s ongoing progress in implementing climate change programs like AB 32 and
Senate Bill 375 (Steinberg, 2008) as critical to protecting the health of the state’s
economy, environment and its people.
In addition to the resolution, the American Lung Association also encourages the Board
of Supervisors to send a letter to the California Air Resources Board supporting global
warming regulations. A sample letter is also attached.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution No. 2010/248
Sample Letter to Support AB 32
Sample Letter to Support Global Warming Regulations
Mary Nichols, Chairman
California Air Resources Board
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95812
Re: Strong Global Warming Regulations
Dear Chairman Nichols,
The [City/County] applauds the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its national leadership
in the development programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in
California. Our state’s landmark global warming strategies provide a roadmap for transitioning
to a robust, clean economy while also presenting opportunities for significant public health and
environmental benefits.
Although our state has made progress in combating air pollution over the past 30 years, the fact
remains that the vast majority of California residents still breathe unhealthy air and remain at
risk for respiratory illnesses and even premature death. Air pollution is particularly harmful to
our most vulnerable populations, such as infants and children, the elderly, those living in low-
income communities or those suffering with chronic illnesses like asthma or heart disease.
Unfortunately, global warming is expected to compound these problems by further threatening
the quality of the air we breathe and increasing our public health burdens.
I strongly encourage CARB to continue its strong leadership by moving ahead to implement
Global Warming Solutions Act (Assembly Bill 32, Nuñez, 2006) programs to fight global warming
and air pollution. As transportation sources represent the largest contributors to greenhouse
gases, smog and other air pollutants in our state, CARB must remain focused on reducing
vehicle emissions.
Therefore, I also urge CARB to develop and adopt the next generation of motor vehicle
standards in 2010 by expanding California’s Low Emission Vehicle (LEV III) program to reduce
criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases from new vehicles and to strengthen California’s zero
emission vehicle (ZEV) program. I also support the adoption of strong regional targets to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles as envision by Senate Bill 375
(Steinberg, 2008). Improving land use planning, and ushering in the cleanest vehicles will
advance California’s fight against global warming and air pollution and protect our quality of
life.
Sincerely,