San Joaquin Valley Leaders Urge Governor Schwarzenegger to Sign SB 719

“The Valley is in a health crisis, it’s time for the Governor to call for help” said Dr. Benak, a physician with the Stanislaus Medical Society in Modesto. “We want to assure him that Valley doctors are ready for his call, we are ready to bring our medical training and expertise to the dais in order to start healing the Valley.”

On September 10, 2007 the bill was successfully passed through the State Assembly with a vote of 42 to 32. This bill is now in its fifth year through the California legislature, where the Valley’s largest industry interest groups had previously succeeded in keeping it off the Governor’s desk. Support for the bill has steadily increased and diversified. In fact, a recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California showed that over 76% of San Joaquin Valley residents support adding a doctor and a scientist to the air board, support was even higher among likely Republican voters at 82%.

Local farmers have expressed a willingness to do what they can to curb pollution. Commenting on the changes proposed to the Valley Air Board and the role of agriculture in the Valley’s air clean up efforts, Cindy Lashbrook, an organic farmer from Livingston stated, “I not only farm in this Valley, I live and breathe here too. That’s why it’s important to me to add health experts to the local air board, since it will bring a better understanding of the links between air pollution and health for the Board and the public. A lot of farmers are voluntarily incorporating ways to clean the air, but there is always more to be done.” Phil Erro, right, a farmer who farms 300 acres in Western Fresno County speaking in favor of SB 719.

One of the newest members of the board has been one of the most vocal supporters because of her experience working within the current structure. “This bill is an example of good governance”, stated Raji Brar Councilmember for the City of Arvin and also a member of the San Joaquin Valley Air District board. “Adding medical experts and scientists to the Valley Air Board will enhance our board’s capacity to find innovative solutions for this public health crisis. Those of us from Arvin know the effects too well, as we now hold the title of smoggiest city in the nation. Adding more city council seats is very important, as it means that we will have even more local control of solutions for our air pollution problem.”

Even the Valley’s faith community has been strongly supporting this bill. “The Diocese sees the Valley’s air pollution as a moral issue, and SB 719 as an essential step in reversing the deadly effects of air pollution on the people of the San Joaquin Valley,” stated Stephen Blaire, Catholic Bishop of Stockton. “It is of great urgency that the Governor sign SB 719.”

The Governor’s staff has not given an indication as to which direction he will take. Clean air advocates and the thousands of supporters of this bill are cautiously optimistic that the Governor will stay true to his word- and take action which will be a significant step in the right direction towards cleaner air for the San Joaquin Valley.

Sarah Sharpe is the Campaign and Outreach Associate- San Joaquin Valley of the Coalition for Clean Air.