HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-05 - AGENDA REPORTS - AIR QUALITY STATUS (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Boyer and Members of the City Council
FROM: George Caravalho, City Manager
DATE: March 5, 1996
SUBJECT: AIR QUALITY- STATUS
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has made great strides in
improving air quality in recent years. According to an article in Scientific America authored
by James Lent and William Kelly, Los Angeles is one of few places in the nation where air
quality has improved dramatically since the 1970's. From 1955 to 1992 the peak level of
ozone - one of the best indicators of air pollution - declined from 680 parts per billion to 300
parts per billion, even though we have nearly have three times as many people and four
times as many vehicles. According to the SCAQMD, in the past decade Stage 1 smog alerts
have been reduced by more than 70%. The Los Angeles basin hasn't reached a Stage II smog
alert since 1988. Stage II smog alerts occurred about 15-20 times a year in the 1970's. This
reduction is due in part to technology, but a substantial reason for this change is the change
in social policy through legislation enacted by the SCAQMD.
Though the above information would lead you to believe that air quality in the Los Angeles
Basin has improved to such a degree that there is no need for additional legislation or the
SCAQMD, the Los Angeles basin continues to have the worst air quality in the nation. The
Clean Air Act required California to attain clean air standards by 1975. The deadline has
been extended on four separate occasions. In 1996, 21 years after the original deadline, the
State and the Los Angeles basin still do not meet these standards.
After incorporation, the City worked frequently with the SCAQMD on new legislation. In
recent years, City staff reduced this role as the district continued to move forward in its
efforts to improve air quality in the Los Angeles basin. Recent events at the SCAQMD have
concerned City staff and staff believes it is time for the City to re-energize our efforts with
the agency.
Last year the SCAQMD relaxed five key regulations, abolished its ride share programs and
approved over $3.1 million in rebates on permit fees once imposed on business to be used for
programs to enhance air quality. Furthermore, Board Chairman Jon D. Mikels has called
for a 50% reduction in the agency's staff size by 1999. This action is on the heels of a 30%
reduction enacted only three years ago. According to SCAQMD staff, their has been a high
turnover on the Board, which has resulted in more business friendly legislation, but at a
possible cost to the benefits achieved so far. There has been recent talk in the State
Legislature of eliminating the SCAQMD all together.
Agenda Item: /
Several studies have shown that those living in the Los Angeles Basin suffer from the ill
effects of the air we continually breathe. A 1984 study conducted by U.S.C. showed that
children raised in the basin suffer a 10 to 15% loss in lung function compared to those
who grew up in urban areas where the air is less polluted. The Scientific America article
points out that if the SCAQMD succeeded in meeting federal standards for ozone and
particulates, $9.4 billion in health benefits would be gained every year. Additionally,
clean air would improve the quality of life to each and every citizen within the basin,
making the Los Angeles area a more attractive place to live and work.
Staff believes that the SCAQMD needs to continue its commitment to cleaning -up air.
The district must be able to balance the interests of the business community with those
of the private citizen. The SCAQMD has in the past made great strides in improving air
quality in the basin and needs to continue its efforts to bring the Los Angeles area into
compliance with federal standards.
Attached is an informational brochure provided by SCAQMD, which includes several
articles and pamphlets related to the strides made by the agency to date and the effects
of bad air quality on human health. Oscar Abarca, the Director of Intergovernmental
Affairs for SCAQMD, will be on available to answer any questions from the Council.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff would recommend that the City Council receive report and presentation.
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