On January 6, 2023, South Coast AQMD honored individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to reduce air pollution and advance the science of air quality to improve the health of our communities and the economy. The 33rd Annual Clean Air Awards was held virtually. FOX 11 Meteorologist Maria Quiban served as mistress of ceremonies.
This year’s Clean Air Award recipients are:
S. Roy Wilson Memorial Award for Leadership in Government:
Senator Alex Padilla
Senator Padilla has long been a champion for clean air in California. In the U.S. Senate, Senator Padilla was proud to help pass the Inflation Reduction Act — the largest investment in history to combat the climate crisis and lower America’s carbon emissions. From leading the charge to transition our nation’s school bus fleet to zero- and low-emission vehicles, to reducing emissions at California’s ports, he’s made real progress for California’s communities. Senator Padilla is bringing local, state, and federal agencies together to give California all the tools it needs to protect the future of our air quality, and improve the quality of life for generations to come.
Dr. Robert M. Zweig, Memorial Award:
Congressman Alan Lowenthal, Ph.D.
Congressman Lowenthal became involved in local politics because of his concern for health and environmental issues related to the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. As a City Council Member, then State Legislator and finally U.S. Representative Lowenthal has been a leader in policies to promote environmental and economic policies at the twin Ports to protect the health and livelihoods of his constituents and the region.
Dr. William Burke Award for Leadership in Environmental Justice:
Angelica “Angie” Balderas
Angie Balderas serves as an Organizer for the Sierra Club My Generation campaign and is currently co-host and member of the AB 617 San Bernardino/Muscoy Community Steering Committee. Angie has been an active voice to ensure communities lead the dialogue, prioritizes implementation of the actions for the AB 617 program in San Bernardino, Muscoy. She has worked tirelessly to create a new paradigm for how South Coast AQMD works with communities and shared her expertise regionally and statewide to help advance the AB 617 program.
Leadership in Air Quality:
Watts Clean Air & Energy Committee
Watts Clean Air & Energy Committee (WCAEC) serves communities in South Los Angeles. Led by Linda Cleveland and Jackie Badejo, WCAEC, was founded in 2014 to promote air quality, climate and energy awareness for the disadvantaged Watts community and surrounding areas. WCAEC has served as a Co-lead for the AB 617 Community Steering Committee playing a key role in developing the Community Air Monitoring Plan and Community Emissions Reduction Plan. Additionally, WCAEC works to educate residents, including youth, on the effects of air pollution and how to get involved to clean the air and improve quality of life.
Innovative Clean Air Technology:
Orange County Transportation Authority
OCTA is pilot testing 10 plug-in battery electric buses and has installed 10 chargers. They are also operating 10 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. Each zero-emission bus will reduce emissions by upwards of 270,000 pounds per year compared to diesel and CNG vehicles. It is projected that the electric buses will reduce NOx emissions by 45-percent and PM by 52-percent. OCTA’s pilot project can be a model for transit agencies throughout California and the nation.
Youth Leadership in Air Quality:
Andy Fung, Volunteer for Asian Pacific Forward Movement
Andy Fung has worked with the Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement to lead youth advocacy including the formation of Sustainable San Gabriel Valley. Sustainable San Gabriel Valley encompasses advocacy for environmental justice and air pollution issues. He worked with youth and community members to prevent lane expansions on Garvey Avenue in Monterey Park and instead promote active transportation solutions and pedestrian safety. This work will lead to safe streets for residents to use active transportation like biking and walking on Garvey Avenue. Andy has inspired his peers, community members and local elected officials to fight for clean air and more livable safe streets in the San Gabriel Valley.