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The purpose of AQMD's
Environmental Justice program is to ensure that everyone has the right to equal
protection from air pollution and fair access to the decision-making
process that works to improve the quality of air within their communities.
Environmental Justice,
or "EJ" has been
defined by AQMD as:
"...equitable
environmental policymaking and enforcement to protect the health of all
residents, regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race,
socioeconomic status, or geographic location, from the health effects of air
pollution."
The history of
AQMD's EJ program began in 1997. The programs and initiatives have been
continually reviewed to keep the EJ movement growing.
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AQMD has
instituted a number of community
initiatives to help improve air quality for residents of our basin. However,
the commitment to EJ does not rest with AQMD alone. It also
requires that individuals and businesses get
involved by working together with AQMD to help improve the quality of
air in their communities. One of the important actions people can take is to notify AQMD at 1-800-CUT-SMOG when
there is
an air quality complaint such as excessive
dust or foul odors from a neighboring business, or a smoking vehicle.
Attending AQMD-sponsored
meetings, workshops and other events is
another excellent way to keep abreast of current air quality issues, and to
learn how to help protect your family and community from the health effects
of air pollution. To see other examples of how you can get involved helping to
resolve air quality issues, check the resources and links for other state and federal agencies with EJ programs.
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