Add this to the #winwinwin column!
San Francisco’s Chief Climate and Sustainability Executive | Director of SF Environment | Implementing SF’s Climate Action Plan
?? As a Board member of Bay Area Air Quality Management District, on this Valentine's Day, I'm beyond excited to share the love for a momentous breakthrough for our marginalized communities of color in the region! Yesterday, we sealed game-changing deals with Chevron and Martinez Refining Company that will slash particulate pollution by a whopping 70% from their refinery operations. But that's not all – alongside this historic reduction, we're levying record-breaking penalties and fines, totaling up to $138 million. Here's where it gets even better: every cent of those penalties and fines will be reinvested directly into community benefits, funding projects that'll continue to enhance air quality in the very neighborhoods hit hardest by the pollution from these refineries. From innovative solutions to grassroots initiatives, these projects will not only clean up our air but also uplift these communities, ensuring that everyone can breathe easier and live healthier lives. This victory isn't just a win on paper – it's a triumph for every person who calls our region home. It's a testament to what's possible when communities come together to fight for change. So let's celebrate this milestone and let it fuel our determination to keep pushing for a future where clean air is a reality for everyone in the Bay Area. Together, let's build a brighter tomorrow, one breath at a time. Thank you to the relentless advocacy of the environmental and social justice groups that have been fighting for this cause for years. ?? Thank you to the hard work and dedication of the staff at the Air District who crafted the groundbreaking Rule 6-5 and for their excellent behind-the-scenes legal work. ?? Finally thank you for the leadership of my fellow Air District board members, especially those who represent these impacted communities that ultimately benefit from the work. ??♂? For more details: https://lnkd.in/gcRQYfma #environmentaljustice #airquality #sanfranciscobayarea #climateaction #cleanair #bayarea
