South Coast AQMD Hosts an Engaging 8th Annual Environmental Justice Conference
South Coast AQMD held its 8th Annual EJ Conference, Our Environment, Our Lives: Collaborating for Clean Air, on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Dr. Monique N. Hernandez, Sr. Manager of Florida Cancer Data System and Affiliate Faculty, Geosciences & Environment, CSULA, served as emcee, engaging participants with her energy and passion for environmental justice. Chair Benoit introduced the featured speaker, California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The interview with Attorney General Bonta touched on various topics, including his work with the Bureau of Environmental Justice, his leadership in the petition to urge U.S. EPA to set more stringent oxides of nitrogen (NOx) standards for heavy-duty trucks, and the need to collaborate with local communities.
The conference included simultaneous breakout sessions with moderators and panelists that discussed the following topics: AB 617 Community Air Protection Program: Lessons Learned and Strategies for Positive Change, Community Air Monitoring, and Building the Road to a Zero-Emissions Future. Following the breakouts sessions, Vice Chair Delgado introduced the keynote speaker, U.S. EPA Region 9 Administrator Martha Guzman. Administrator Guzman spoke about the AB 617 program and funding for related environmental justice programs, climate change, and the challenges to meeting federal attainment standards.
Attendees included environmental justice activists, community advocates and organizations, health professionals, academic researchers, government officials, and high school students. Of the approximate 905 total attendees, 88 attendees were from 30 different federal, state, and tribal government agencies, 160 attendees were from 107 different community-based organizations, and 111 attendees were from 52 different educational institutions.
Environmental Justice Conference Highlights
Webcasts:
Please note: Conference notes are forthcoming, please check this webpage soon.