Legislation Will Spur Progress on Clean Air and Jobs; Seen as Crucial for Communities of Color

Contact: Bruce Mirken, Greenlining Institute Media Relations Director, 415-846-7758 (cell)

SACRAMENTO – The Greenlining Institute today hailed passage by the California Senate of a package of bills designed to expand and accelerate the state’s fight against climate change while bringing tangible benefits to communities most impacted by climate change, pollution and poverty.

“California has led the nation in both fighting climate change and making sure that our climate policies bring real benefits to communities struggling with dirty air and lack of economic opportunities,” said Greenlining Institute Economic Equity Director Vien Truong. “This historic package of legislation ramps up those efforts and will result in cleaner air and healthier, more prosperous communities. As an organization representing communities of color, we hear every day from neighborhoods that have been hit first and worst by pollution and poverty. These bills bring our communities real hope, but California cannot rest: We must step up our game and make sure we really address these issues in the hardest-hit areas of our state.”

To highlight the impact of California climate change policies on communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, The Greenlining Institute created UpLiftCA.org, which explains crucial laws such as AB 32 and SB 535, and features real stories of people whose lives are being changed for the better by California’s effort against climate change. The site will be updated later this month with new stories and photos from around California.