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Organization: South Coast Air Quality Management District
Date: September 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.
