The Coalition of Clean Air is supporting a handful of pilot Regional Committees to help communities most impacted by air quality issues use Clean Air Day to address local air quality issues. Through the leadership of local business, civic, and community leaders, these local committees will activate their cities and neighborhoods to take action for cleaner air. The committee members, numbering between six and 12, receive support in program development, community engagement, and media relations for stakeholders in their communities to engage in California Clean Air Day. They will provide local expertise to identify the people and activities that will most effectively activate and engage their neighbors in taking even the smallest action to address local air quality.

Regional Committees are currently working in Inglewood, San Bernardino, San Diego, Fresno, Oakland, Stockton, and Bakersfield. These Regional Committees are empowered, as an example to all communities in California, to leverage this statewide initiative to support lasting, local impact. In San Bernardino, for instance, the Regional Committee is planning on recognizing key businesses and organizations who are committed to clean-air practices, as well as highlighting opportunities for safe routes to school. They are also organizing a local social media effort related to San Bernardino and Clean Air Day. This example highlights how a local community knows best how to engage neighbors to take actions to address a communitywide issue of public health.

Everyone can help prevent air pollution. Take the Clean Air Day Pledge today to protect public health and combat climate change. Even better, join a Regional Committee to make an impact in your local community.

-Tom Epstein, Clean Air Day Steering Committee member and Coalition for Clean Air Board member 

For more information on how you can activate your community, visit the Clean Air Day Resources Page for a number of guides and kits for cities, businesses, communities and more. If you’d like more information on Regional Committees, please contact the Clean Air Day community manager, Adam Galia at adam@stratiscope.com