For Immediate Release
September 25, 2019
Contact: Kathryn Phillips 916-893-8494 (mobile)
Los Angeles Moves to Strengthen Sustainable Procurement
LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles City Council today moved to strengthen the city’s sustainable procurement process and consider including elements of the state’s Buy Clean California Act into procurement.
California passed the Buy Clean California Act (AB 262) in 2017. It requires state agencies to purchase construction materials such as structural steel and carbon steel rebar from manufacturers that are among the least climate polluting producers. The measure helps ensure that public funds are spent in a way that supports businesses that are effectively cleaning up their manufacturing practices.
The city council action affirms that the emissions reporting used in Buy Clean is an important attribute for purchasing construction materials. The city will assess how to incorporate Buy Clean into its Environmentally Preferable Products Purchasing Program.
In response, Molly Culton, Conservation Organizer for Sierra Club California, issued the following statement:
"Los Angeles’ support of the Buy Clean California Act demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainable procurement. Taking this action to consider the Buy Clean approach will help it meet its climate action goals.
"Taxpayer dollars should go towards materials with the least impact on the environment. The city council action is a win-win for Angelenos and the planet."
Please see the council meeting agenda (items 12 and 13) to read the text of each motion: http://ens.lacity.org/clk/councilagendas/clkcouncilagendas3134648_09252019.html.
For more information on Sierra Club California's Buy Clean Campaign, please visit: https://www.sierraclub.org/california/why-buy-clean.
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Sierra Club California is the legislative and regulatory advocacy arm of the 13 Sierra Club chapters in California, representing more than 500,000 members and supporters statewide.