TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to prepare a resolution in support of California Clean Air Day, October 6, 2021. Additionally, request City Manager disseminate information to residents about the Clean Air Pledge and how their actions and self-education can promote a cleaner-air future.
DISCUSSION
In 2020, the Long Beach - Los Angeles metro area was ranked by the American Lung Association as the most polluted metro area in the United States. With significant commuter vehicle traffic along roads and freeways, port-related industry, associated movement of goods by truck, and various industrial emitters, the air quality in Long Beach leaves tremendous room for improvement.
California Clean Air Day is built on the idea that shared experiences unite people to action to improve our community health. While there has been progress to improve our air quality, including significant efforts by the Port of Long Beach to fight air pollution, there is more to be done to meet critical deadlines set by the Clean Air Act.
By joining together for a unified day of action we can lead the way and create new habits to clear the air for all members of California’s diverse communities. Additionally, increasing public education on the causes and effects of detrimental air pollution, empowers and engages residents to advocate for a cleaner-air future for themselves and their children.
It is entirely appropriate for the City to support efforts to educate and activate residents to work towards a cleaner-air future. In January 2021, the City approved a framework for the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), which will be considered for adoption later this year, and which highlights significant pollution impacts from trucking, commuter vehicles, and stationary industrial emitters such as power plants. Residents can visit <https://www.cleanairday.org/> to take the Clean Air Pledge and learn more about how they can act and advocate for cleaner air for their communities.
This matter was reviewed by Grace Yoon on September 23, 2021.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests the City Attorney to prepare a resolution to support California Clean Air Day on October 6, 2021 and for staff to disseminate information about the Clean Air Pledge to residents. The requested action is anticipated to require a minimal level of staff hours beyond the budgeted scope of duties and have a minimal impact on other City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with the recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CINDY ALLEN COUNCILWOMAN,
SECOND DISTRICT
REX RICHARDSON VICE MAYOR,
NINTH DISITRCT