Garcia’s new leadership position will further his ability to advocate for his community
(SACRAMENTO)— Today, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) is honored to announce his appointment to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The passage of Assemblymember Garcia’s historic AB 197 (Garcia, 2016) added two new non-voting members to CARB to add legislative oversight to increase the board’s transparency and accountability.
Prior to the implementation of AB 197 (Garcia, 2016) the board was comprised of 14 members appointed by the Governor with approval of the Senate, and will now be required to include two additional members designated by Legislature, one each by the Senate and Assembly.
The CARB exists to ensure public health and the protection of ecological resources by administering regulations and programs designed to mitigate air pollutants. A major responsibility of the board is to oversee local and regional air pollution control districts.
"I am humbled and honored to accept Speaker Anthony Rendon's appointment to represent the Assembly on the California Air Resources Board. This is an excellent opportunity to increase collaboration between the legislature and the agency," said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. "This oversight is essential to ensure equity and the implementation of impartial and inclusive policies to better serve the needs of all Californians; prioritizing disadvantaged communities like those in my district plagued with poor air quality and high rates of respiratory related illnesses."
“Assemblymember Garcia is effective in advancing a sustainable and balanced green economy, investing in reducing air pollution to disadvantaged communities, and leading a more equitable approach to California's climate change policies,” stated Luis Olmedo, Executive Director of Comité Civico Del Valle.
Last year the Assemblymember changed the status quo for climate change policies, shifting the dialogue from polar bears and melting ice caps to focus in on people and the all too real public health ramifications. This year, he has introduced AB 378 which will advance climate guidelines for the CARB to prioritize disadvantaged communities.
“If California wants to remain an economic and environmental leader we must also lead on issues related to equity. We must make transparent investments and knock down barriers to opportunities for those most affected by pollution.”
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) serves as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife. He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland.
