Zero-Emission Railyards Rule and Go-Zero Program, Clean Air Victories for the Region
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On Friday August 2nd, The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) voted unanimously today to adopt a Railyard Indirect Source Rule (ISR), a measure aimed at reducing harmful pollution from trains, trucks, cargo handling equipment, transport refrigeration units and railyards in Southern California. The vote delivers a major victory for clean air advocates. The Sierra Club turned out with dozens of community members who shared, deep personal stories about how they are harmed by nearby polluting rails and advocate for the first-of-its-kind regulation to reduce emissions from railyards operated by the largest Class 1 companies in the nation, Union Pacific and BNSF.
We won this rule because of the years long advocacy of the environmental justice community and our organizing efforts. There was over 90 individuals who join in person and virtually to share vulnerable testimony about how they have been affected by this polluting industry. This included youth, elders, scientists, people living in this community and allied partners like the Sierra Club. There were so many heart grasping moments from the community testimony. One spanish speaking resident who was having a hard time getting her comment going. Chair Delgado reassured her by telling her “esta en su casa senora” which translates to you are in your home, in company. The woman then bursts into tears and says, “mi casa esta contaminada”, my house is contaminated. This was just one of the powerful moments and stories that were shared. There was also a resonating message of love. Of why we are fighting for this rule. For love for each other, our community, the children at home. Love.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) representing 17 million people in California, voted in favor of the Railyard Indirect Source Rule, which requires zero emissions charging infrastructure installment for trucks, locomotives, cargo handling equipment, reporting from locomotive trips, and emissions reduction reporting beginning in 2027.
The rule is projected to reduce 9 tons per day of NOx between 2025 - 2050 from the implementation in conjunction with CARB’s In-Use Locomotive and Advanced Clean Fleets regulations. It will avoid 272 premature deaths per year, and 2100 emergency department and hospital visits per year. For years, activists consistently turned out from the Sierra Club, missing school or work, volunteering their time to the working group and board member meetings, organizing toxic tours, and successfully moving the rule from a voluntary agreement into law. A special shout out to chapter leaders Yvonne Watson, Al Sattle, Darrell Clarke, and Activist Academy graduates SK and Rio who joined to give comment and be in solidarity with community.
Additionally, the governing board of the South Coast AQMD formally voted to move forward with funding and advancing the process for the Go Zero Pilot program. This is a rebate program where 70% of the funding will be allocated to overburdened, EJ communities to replace their gas-fired space and water heaters to zero-emission upon burn-out/when replacements are triggered (upcoming rules 1111 + 1121). This is just one small win to ensure that there is an equitable transition and center investments for communities who have lived environmental racism and are already experiencing the effects of climate change.
Funding for this program is also allocated for installer training programs, technical assistance- connecting with community based organizations to bring awareness about this rebate program. These rules are huge opportunities to advance building electrification efforts in our region. We are excited to keep you posted on the Go Zero Program. We are glad to see our governing agencies allocate funding to these types of projects statewide.
Photographed left to right: Kim Orbe- chapter conservation program manager, Yassi Kavezade- Senior Campaign Advisor Clean Transportation for All, Esmeralda Sanchez- UCR's summer internship, Jessie Parks- Longtime community organizer working on this campaign, Al Sattler- Angeles Chapter Volunteer Leader and Palos Verdes group Vice-chair.
The South Coast region, which suffers from the worst air quality in the nation, will tremendously benefit from these wins. The Sierra Club along with our EJ partners have made many strides in the region to advance policies to clean up the air in our communities, rails, buildings and homes. Yes, lets celebrate the good news! But we also need you in our movement. To educate your loved ones, neighbors and mobilize with us for Clean Air. Healthy Homes. Resilient Communities. Justice. Love.
If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved in either of these campaigns, please email kim.orbe@sierraclub.org.
Read the press release for more info our the Railyards ISR here.
Kim is the Chapter Conservation Program Manager who also leads our local Building Electrification campaign.
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