San Diego County supervisorsWednesday’s unanimous approval of a road map to a new environmental office focusing on reducing air pollution and toxic chemical polluting threats to residents was unanimous. It placed a strong emphasis on low-income and minority communities.
The Office of Environmental and Climate Justice Road mapAccording to county officials, it also provides direction, scope and roles as well as responsibilities.
According to the county Land Use & Environment departmentOnce OECJ staff are hired, they can begin to address the region’s sustainability needs in communities that are underserved.
The Board of Supervisors approved the creation of this office, as proposed by Nora Vargas (Vice Chair), last spring. Vargas stated Wednesday that she was thrilled by the latest action for the office. It will be a transformative policy for our environmental justice community and drive systemic changes, she said.
Vargas called it amazing that the road map evolved into what community members wanted.
Nicole Ambrose, group manager for the county Land Use & Environment department, stated that other goals include meaningful community participation and feedback. She stated that earlier meetings with community groups covered topics like investment opportunities, housing, toxic hotspots, urban heat island effects, and transportation.
Ambrose stated that her department wanted to acknowledge past injustices against 17 County native American tribes, such as the Cahuilla and Kumeyaay, and Luiseno.
She said that we aspire to learn from traditional indigenous knowledge.
Ambrose stated that OECJ will collaborate with stakeholders in unincorporated counties and cities, including North El Cajon (North Lemon Grove), Spring Valley, Sweetwater and Spring Valley.
Murtaza Baxamusa (Land Use program manager) stated that the OECJ Road Map addresses past and present injustices and prevents them from happening in the future.
Baxamusa mentioned that the OECJ would use mapping tools to examine areas where there are no parks or homes with high levels of lead.
Baxamusa stated that the map is a working document, and could change over time.
Vargas also requested the county apply for grants and work closely with its funding agencies Air Pollution Control DistrictThe California Air Resources BoardTo reduce emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Supervisor Jim Desmond thanked Vargas to her for creating the office. He said the county must be vigilant about where it allows solar energy projects, as these can have an impact on nearby residents. Residents voiced strong opposition to the approval by the boards last August of a large solar farm located in Jacumba.
Supervisor Terra Lawson Remer also gave credit to Vargas, stating that it was important for communities have a voice. She said, “I wish we could be there in person to celebrate.”
Board members participated via teleconference, as they have done for several months.
City News Service contributed to the article.
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