| Sept. 9, 2008
Climate Change Policy Adopted
A multi-year study on toxic air pollution in the Southland shows an
overall 8 percent decrease in cancer risk from air pollution but increases
in some areas of the region.
“Cancer risks from air pollution are still far too high in the
Southland,” said Barry Wallerstein, executive officer of the South Coast Air
Quality Management District. “The study results show that we need to
continue pursuing all feasible measures to reduce toxic emissions.”
The latest study results were presented to AQMD’s Governing Board on
Sept. 5 as part of the draft final MATES III (Multiple Air Toxics Exposure
Study) report.
The study, released as a draft in January and revised this year using
improved computer modeling and emissions inventory methodologies, showed an
overall decrease in the cancer risk from air pollution in the region from
931 in 1 million to 853 in 1 million from 1998-1999 to 2005.
While the region’s overall risk decreased, the cancer risk from air
pollution around the ports increased by about 17 percent from 1998 to 2005
in spite of ongoing clean up efforts, due to the near-doubling of container
shipments. Slight increases were also seen in areas of Riverside County.
The increases are likely due to growth in trade at the ports and increased
truck traffic and warehouse development in Riverside County.
About 84 percent of all cancer risk from air pollution is due to diesel
exhaust from trucks, trains, ships, locomotives and other diesel equipment.
The remaining risk is due to toxic emissions from gasoline-powered motor
vehicles, businesses and industrial facilities.
The AQMD will use the results of MATES III to develop policy initiatives
and will continue efforts at the state and national levels to reduce toxic
air pollution.
The draft final MATES III report along with an interactive risk map is
available at
http://www.aqmd.gov/prdas/matesIII/matesIII.html.
Climate Change Policy
The Board on Sept. 5 also approved a Climate Change Policy designed to
complement the agency’s existing programs for criteria and toxic pollutants
and the goals of AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.
The new policy is designed to further protect public health, assist
businesses and local governments in implementing climate change measures,
ensure information on climate change is shared with the public, and decrease
the agency’s own carbon footprint.
Key elements of the policy include updating AQMD’s guidance document for
local governments so they can consider the inclusion of greenhouse gas
reduction strategies in their general plans; enhancing local guidance for
California Environmental Quality Act compliance to help with the
quantification and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions; and updating the
greenhouse gas inventory for the region. AQMD will promote “win-win”
strategies that reduce traditional pollutants and greenhouse gases wherever
possible.
AQMD will work with the California Air Resources Board and other agencies
developing rules and programs to share expertise, pursue funding
opportunities, and seek to have early reductions recognized. Engaging in
the development of national and multi-state and state climate change
programs and carefully integrating rule, permitting, and inspection
requirements will help avoid conflicts and streamline administration among
various programs.
Staff will work with interested parties as key items are developed.
AQMD’s Climate Change Committee will be briefed regularly, and the Board
will receive annual reports on implementation of the policy.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major
portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
-#-
|
