South Coast AQMD's Environmental Justice Program
Environmental Justice, or "EJ" has been defined by South Coast AQMD as:
"...equitable environmental policymaking and enforcement to protect the health of all residents, regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, from the health effects of air pollution."
The history of South Coast AQMD's EJ program began in 1997. The programs and initiatives have been continually reviewed to keep the EJ movement growing. One important component of that review process is the Environmental Justice Advisory Group (EJAG), which serves as an advisory group to the South Coast AQMD Governing Board. The mission of EJAG is to advise and assist South Coast AQMD in protecting and improving public health in South Coast AQMD's most impacted communities through the reduction and prevention of air pollution.
South Coast AQMD has instituted a number of community initiatives to help improve air quality for residents of our basin. However, the commitment to EJ does not rest with South Coast AQMD alone. It also requires that individuals and businesses get involved by working together with South Coast AQMD to help improve the quality of air in their communities. One of the important actions people can take is to notify South Coast AQMD at 1-800-CUT-SMOG when there is an air quality complaint such as excessive dust or foul odors from a neighboring business, or a smoking vehicle.
Attending South Coast AQMD-sponsored meetings, workshops and other events is another excellent way to keep abreast of current air quality issues, and to learn how to help protect your family and community from the health effects of air pollution. To see other examples of how you can get involved helping to resolve air quality issues, check the resources and links for other state and federal agencies with EJ programs.
Additional Information:
One of the South Coast AQMD's top environmental justice priorities is the implementation of Assembly Bills 617 and 134.