(SACRAMENTO) – Today, the Assembly Appropriations Committee approved Assembly Bill 179 by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) by a vote of 11 to 5. AB 179 would require one of the eleven appointed members of the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to have had experience working on environmental justice issues.
“Whether by bus, car, or bike, transportation has a profound effect on the quality of life for every Californian,” Assemblymember Cervantes said. “The members of our Transportation Commission should reflect the changing reality of transportation in California. This should also include an understanding of how state transportation policy affects our most disadvantaged communities, especially as it relates to air quality.”
Specifically, AB 179 would require that one of the appointed members of the CTC have had experience working directly with disadvantaged communities, especially those burdened with or vulnerable to high levels of pollution. This would follow a precedent set by other state boards and commissions with environmental justice representation, particularly the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Coastal Commission. The bill would also require the CTC and CARB to hold two joint meetings per year to collaborate on implementing state transportation policy.
AB 179 will next be eligible for a vote on the Assembly Floor. You can find more information about the bill here.
Sabrina Cervantes represents the 60th District of the California State Assembly, which encompasses the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, and a portion of the City of Riverside.