SB 34 Veto Preserves Local Power to Protect Clean Air
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Environmental justice organizations across California raised concerns about Senate Bill 34 and its potential to limit the authority of local air districts to regulate pollution from freight hubs, ports, and warehouses. Today, we share an important update: SB 34 has been vetoed.
This decision helps preserve the ability of agencies like the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to enforce community-driven Indirect Source Rules (ISRs), which have led to cleaner air and healthier neighborhoods across our region.
“The veto of SB 34 helps preserve the authority of our local air district to regulate the goods movement industry,” said Andrea Viduarre, Policy Analyst and Advocate, People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PC4EJ). “In a time when communities are increasingly concerned about air quality and environmental health, it’s vital that local agencies retain the ability to protect public health. We’re grateful to the many residents and organizations who raised their voices on this issue. We hope this moment encourages AQMD to continue exercising its regulatory power in service of clean air. We will also continue to highlight concerns that electrification should not lead to increased automation at the expense of port workers.”
PC4EJ remains committed to educating communities about the policies that shape our environment and health. We encourage residents to stay informed, attend public meetings, and continue advocating for clean air solutions that reflect local needs.
Clean air isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
For more background on SB 34 and its implications, read our original post: When Cleaner Air Gets Blocked, Communities Pay the Price.
