I rang the alarm bells on the air quality in the Inland Empire earlier this year when I released a report outlining the origins, effects, and remedies of poor air quality.  

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE. 

Since then, there has been big news from federal and state agencies on implementing higher standards so we all can breathe healthier air. 

Earlier this year, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) regulation to reign in port emissions. CARB’s regulation reduces the public’s exposure to air pollutants from ships docked at California’s ports. These big ships are powered by diesel-fueled engines which pour nitrogen and diesel matter into our air and can lead to serious health issues. This rule will require ship operators to reduce their emissions by shutting off their ships when they are not in motion or find an alternative source of power. 

This is a major win for reducing fossil-fueled shipping pollution in California’s waters. Californians are at higher risk for adverse health effects due to emissions from diesel-powered ships, and this regulation will begin to protect people living off the edge of these ports.  

READ MORE ABOUT THE EPA’s RULE HERE. 

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) adopted a groundbreaking rule that requires large warehouses to offset pollution from the truck traffic that they attract. The Inland Empire is widely impacted by air pollution, with most blame for diesel trucks making deliveries from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to mega-warehouses. 

These warehouses have been asked to submit reports on what they have done, and what they will do – but less than 50% of these warehouses have submitted their plans. Violators will face civil fines of up to $11,710 per day, as well as legal action. This lack of initiative from the warehouses is unacceptable and directly puts our community's health at risk. AQMD is cracking down on these polluters with my full support, and the EPA is now considering extending AQMD’s enforcement ability. 

READ MORE ABOUT THE RULE HERE. 

President Biden continues his promise of investing in clean energy, and that starts right here in California. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) announced $7 billion to launch seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs), a valuable source that will produce near-zero carbon emissions. I am thrilled that California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) was selected as one of the seven Regional H2Hubs. Our state is set to receive up to $1.2 billion to expand clean energy and create green jobs. ARCHES and the other H2Hubs across the country will begin to power public transportation, heavy-duty trucks, and more. This move will cut carbon emissions by up to two million metric tons a year, equivalent to nearly 500,000 gas-powered cars. Not only that, ARCHES will create 220,000 jobs in California alone.  

This is a major investment for California, and the future of our entire country. 

READ MORE ABOUT THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S HYDROGEN HUBS HERE. 

I will support continuous efforts to reduce emissions, and I am committed to finding innovative solutions to reduce air pollution and protect our environment for generations to come.  

As always, please stay in touch regarding issues that concern you and your family.