Local officials hold workshop to tackle air pollution
Environmental officials in Imperial County held a workshop Wednesday to tackle air pollution in the area.
Imperial County ranks almost at the top when it comes to the worst air quality in California. There are many contributing factors that include car emissions from idling vehicles at the border. Add the Salton Sea Beach and it creates the perfect storm.
A new bill, that brings money to disadvantaged communities affected by air pollution, can change all that. The Imperial County Air Pollution Control nominated Calexico and Westmoreland as communities that the state should make a priority to receive those funds.
A workshop was held in both cities to paint a more accurate picture of the air quality valley residents face daily.
“Where we’re at today, is certainly a huge hot spot because of the contribution of Mexicali, including the contributions that we have here locally…Calexico is probably the worst condition when it comes to air quality,” said Jose Luis Olmedo Velez, executive director of the Comite Civico Del Valle.
The workshop identified the needs and concerns from the heart of the community. Matt Dessert, Imperial County Air Pollution Control Director said, “Now we’re taking on more of a smaller microscopic look into the communities into these neighborhoods that have been identified through smart programs in need.”
One former city official said reducing the air pollution will improve the quality of life for locals.
“We know that the city of Calexico has the highest rate of asthma in the valley. And so we wanna make sure that not only do we take care of the issue themselves but the health of the citizens,” former Calexico Mayor Maritza Hurtado said.
It will take contributions from everyone to give the valley the best chances to receive much-needed funds.
“This is certainly targeting environmental justice. But we need everybody at the table. We need industry at the table. We need health advocates at the table, the environmental justice at the table. We need you, we need everyone. And we want to make sure that there is success in that engagement. That we work on it together,” Velez said.
Officials plan to continue gathering data and solutions to ensure that Imperial County is a state priority to reduce air pollution.
