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Jurupa Valley, CA — January 16, 2025. The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) expresses deep concern over the recent withdrawal by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) of critical air pollution regulations targeting diesel trucks and locomotives in California. This setback comes despite years of advocacy and progress towards cleaner air and environmental justice.
"Plans to meet the PM2.5 and Ozone standards can now be kissed goodbye, for now" stated Ana Gonzalez, Executive Director of CCAEJ. "What a slap in the face to our community, especially those in the Inland Empire. This will now make it harder to meet public health protections on air quality. So disappointing!"
The decision to abandon these necessary regulations is influenced by the anticipation of non-cooperation from the incoming Trump administration, which has historically opposed stringent environmental rules. This act reverses long-standing efforts to combat California’s severe air pollution and tackle climate change.
The halt of this initiative is particularly alarming for vulnerable populations who reside in areas heavily burdened by diesel emissions. State officials had long considered rules regulating diesel vehicles as essential to cleaning up the state’s air and protecting the health of its residents.
"We urge Governor Gavin Newsom, state legislators, and air quality regulators to reconsider and to fight harder for these necessary protections," said Gonzalez. "The health of millions, especially children and elderly residents in disproportionately affected neighborhoods, is at stake."
CCAEJ will continue to mobilize, advocate, and work tirelessly to ensure that environmental justice is not sidelined by political change. We call upon all stakeholders and community members to stand with us in demanding that these crucial regulations are reinstated and enforced.
Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier future for all Californians.
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