AQMD Votes To Regulate Pollution Sources From Warehouses, Railyards

DIAMOND BAR, C.A. -- Today the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) board proved that Southern California does not have to choose between our health and economy by supporting a rule to regulate the air quality in communities that are plagued by indirect sources of pollution like warehouses and railyards. By approving the indirect source rule, the AQMD signaled to the rest of the state that everyone deserves access to clean breathable air and communities should to invest in our clean energy future.

“Soon residents in Southern California will be able to breathe a bit easier, thanks to the leadership and progress the SCAQMD board showed today. By investing in zero-emission technology and directing warehouses, railyards and other shipping facilities to invest in green infrastructure, we are helping to build the road to a greener and healthier future,” said Sierra Club Senior Campaign Representative Carlo De La Cruz. “Today we applaud the progress made on behalf of the 18 million residents that live in South Coast Air District and we look forward to the day where we can all, literally, breathe a bit easier.”

“While this is a step in the right direction, the SCAQMD needs to ensure community and environmental experts are at the table,” said Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice Senior Community Organizer Ericka Flores. “People in our neighborhoods continue suffer from asthma and other breathing illnesses coming from trucks. It was only until we applied pressure that air regulators made this bold decision. Moving forward we want to work together with SCAQMD leaders to clean up industry’s act and make our communities better to live in.”