[ad_1]
The editorial team works independently of the UT newsroom, but adheres to similar ethical standards. We base our editorials and recommendations on reporting, interviews and rigorous debates, and we strive for accuracy, fairness and courtesy in our section. Disagree? Let us know.
Thanks to a 2019 law enacted by then Congregation member Todd Gloria (now Mayor of San Diego) to give more independent leadership to the Air Pollution Control District of San Diego, the board voted Thursday that heavy industry should Reduces likelihood of their toxic air pollution leading to cancer. Currently, such industries must reduce such pollution as a factory or plant increases the likelihood of developing cancer to over 100 in 1 million people. The district has reduced this standard by 90 percent to 10 out of 1 million people.
The revised rule gives industry five years to improve technology and make investments to reduce pollution. However, it also allows extensions by three years – without a fixed number. This led to criticism that the rule change was too environmentally friendly.
Nonetheless, for communities starting with Barrio Logan and Logan Heights, this is welcome advancement on an issue that activists have long referred to as environmental racism: the concentration of industrial plants near colored communities causing asthma and other health problems, and homes, cars and leave playgrounds covered in soot. If done right, San Diego will no longer be among the most lax air pollution standards in the state.
Affected industries are urging the district to strike a smart balance between the need for air purification and the value those industries bring by creating jobs and helping the U.S. Navy keep their ships in good shape. But for many decades there has not been a nearly intelligent balance. This can ask more of the industry in these areas. But if public health outcomes improve, that’s slightly net positive.
[ad_2]
Source link
