CALIFORNIANS PAY FOR DIESEL EXHAUST WITH THEIR HEALTH
Our worst-in-the-nation air pollution leads to more emergency room visits, more money spent on medications, and more missed days at work and school. Transportation is responsible for 80% of smog-forming pollution and 95% of diesel exhaust, in our air. California is home to 5 of the 10 U.S. cities most polluted by soot, and 88% of Californians live in a community impacted by unhealthy air. No one should have to go broke just to breathe.
California's state and local clean air agencies need the tools and resources to protect public health from polluted air. One vital strategy is the Indirect Source Rule (ISR), which could address diesel hotspots like warehouses, ports, and railyards—places where toxic emissions concentrate and harm surrounding communities. Several local air districts have developed ISRs, but a statewide approach is now needed to strengthen and expand this progress.
Assembly Bill 914 (R. Garcia, District 50) would launch a collaborative, statewide clean air safety net to tackle major pollution hotspots. AB 914 has the strong support of the American Lung Association, which has joined 18 other health organizations across California—including nurses, lung health experts, and asthma coalitions—in backing this essential legislation. Together, these groups recognize the urgent need to relieve families burdened by the costly, traumatic health impacts of pollution in our most vulnerable neighborhoods.
In contrast, Senate Bill 34 threatens to block local progress, preempting efforts to clean up pollution from Southern California ports—contributing to the highest ozone pollution burdens in the country. At a time when federal proposals aim to roll back clean air protections, we must empower local and state agencies—not tie their hands. Communities impacted by ports and other pollution magnets need relief, not more barriers.
Tell your state legislators to vote “YES” on AB 914 and “NO” on SB 34!
Page last updated: May 9, 2025
