The Effort Will Support the Local Economy While Keeping the Region on Clean Air Path
The South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board Chairman William Burke today announced a "Helping Hand" initiative to further
support the local economy during the current recession while keeping the region on a clear path toward clean air.
"Just as we have in past downturns, we will work through this one in collaboration with all of our stakeholders," said William A. Burke, Ed.D.,
Governing Board Chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board. "Together we will continue to protect both health and jobs."
The initiative has four main elements, including:
• Providing additional customer-service options to air quality permit holders,
including:
- (a one-year extension on existing permits to mitigate potential financing
delays;
- allowing quarterly purchase of emission trading credits to reduce
compliance costs without sacrificing emission reductions;
- conducting permit assistance centers one Saturday per month; and
- offering more web-based training on permitting processes for small
businesses.
• Sponsoring a conference to bring together clean technology developers and
funding providers to lower market barriers for new, low-emission technologies;
• Sponsoring green job training initiative in partnership with local community
colleges and other providers to ensure that new technologies are properly
installed and maintained; and
• Creating a partnership/matching fund with local cities and counties to
explore additional tree planting opportunities while also providing clean air co-
benefits. It will also enable mechanisms for student participation.
AQMD staff will develop a detailed implementation proposal for consideration
by the AQMD Governing Board in February.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major
portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
