SCAQMD Governing Board Adopts Chairman Burke's "Helping Hand" Initiative

On February 6, 2009, the South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board approved Chairman William Burke's "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 at its January 9, 2009 meeting. "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.

SCAQMD staff will begin to implement the "Helping Hand" initiative over the next few months.

Information on the "Helping Hand" initiative is available at www.aqmd.gov/hb/2009/February/090229a.htm.