Meeting_Body
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
Preamble
Motion by:
DIRECTORS SOLIS, BUTTS, HAHN, GARCETTI, KUEHL AND MITCHELL
Free Transit for Clean Air Day on October 6
Our county, Los Angeles County, is experiencing some of the worst air pollution not only in the state, but also the nation. The American Lung Association found in their most recent "State of the Air" report that Los Angeles remains the area with the worst ozone pollution in the nation and is among the worst in terms of particulate matter. Fossil fuel-based transportation is a primary generator of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and various other greenhouse gases. The magnitude of fossil fuel-based pollution created by vehicles is particularly disconcerting in Los Angeles County where residents are exposed to 60 percent more vehicle-based pollution than the state average. Furthermore, the consequences of the status quo disproportionately affect people of color. African American, Latino, and Asian communities are exposed to 43, 39 and 21 percent more PM2.5 pollution from cars, trucks, and buses, respectively, than white communities in California. Fossil-fuel based transportation is clearly jeopardizing the health and welfare of Angelenos, and this is unacceptable.
It is incumbent upon Metro to do all that it can to provide transportation alternatives that will address pollution and improve air quality. Providing free transit on California Clean Air Day is a step in that direction. Established by the Coalition for Clean Air, Clean Air Day is intended to promote awareness about California's air quality and to galvanize action towards a healthier future. Both individuals and organizations participate in Clean Air Day in a variety of ways including but not limited to disseminating information about air quality, offering clean transportation promotions, encouraging use of public transit, and making commitments to improve air quali...
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