CCAEJ Applauds SCAQMD for Passing Railyard ISR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CCAEJ Applauds SCAQMD for Passing Railyard ISR: A Victory for Public Health and Environmental Justice

Diamond Bar, CA— August 2, 2024 —The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) is grateful to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) for its courageous and necessary decision to adopt the Railyard Indirect Source Rule (ISR). This landmark regulation represents a significant victory and a step in the right direction for environmental justice and public health, particularly for the frontline communities that have long suffered from the detrimental effects of railyard pollution.

For too long, Southern California’s ports and rail yards have contributed heavily to the region’s poor air quality, with the most severe impacts felt by low-income communities and communities of color. These residents have faced elevated risks of asthma, heart disease, lung cancer, and other chronic health conditions due to constant exposure to harmful emissions. By passing the Railyard ISR, the SCAQMD has taken a bold step toward holding polluters accountable and ensuring that all residents have the right to breathe clean air.

CCAEJ extends its heartfelt thanks to the SCAQMD Governing Board for listening to the voices of the community and prioritizing the health and well-being of the people they serve. This victory would not have been possible without the unwavering support and advocacy of our coalition partners, including THE Impact Project, Moving Forward Network, and countless other organizations dedicated to fighting for a healthier and more just Southern California.

“This is a win not only for our EJ partners but for millions of people in the South Coast and beyond. We still have more work to do, but collectively we can truly achieve clean air for all, because clean air is a human right!”

While today’s decision marks a crucial milestone, our work is far from over. The focus now shifts to addressing the significant pollution stemming from Southern California’s ports. The momentum gained from this victory must propel us forward as we advocate for the development and adoption of a robust Port ISR. This next step is essential to further protect our communities from the pervasive air pollutants that threaten our health and environment.

As we celebrate this achievement, we invite community members to join us for a debrief on August 9th as part of our Transportation Justice Ambassador Program. This event will provide an opportunity to reflect on the success of the Railyard ISR campaign and strategize for the next phase of our clean air initiative.

Together, we have demonstrated the power of collective action, and together, we will continue to fight for a future where every community can thrive in a cleaner, healthier environment. Si se pudo!

Media Contact:

Shane Ysais  

Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ)  

(909) 438-7551, Shane.y@ccaej.org  

Ana Gonzalez, CCAEJ Executive Director

(909)275-9812, ana.g@ccaej.org