The American Lung Association recently applauded California Assemblywoman Eloise Reyes and Senator Lena Gonzalez for championing AB 126, the reauthorization of another decade of crucial clean air investments through the Clean Transportation Program, Air Quality Improvement Program, and the Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program. When signed into law, the bill will continue to provide critical funding to clean air and climate programs, with a strong focus on equity to ensure communities that need it the most can breathe healthy air. The bill is now on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

“Investing in clean air will pay major dividends to Californians’ health. The extension of these critical funds and programs will promote clean air and health equity by targeting pollution from passenger vehicles to heavy-duty trucks, and other transportation sources,” said Mariela Ruacho, Clean Air Advocacy Manager for the American Lung Association in California. “Specifically, these programs help retire older, higher polluting cars, and provide support for zero-emission vehicle deployment and the infrastructure needed to support the transition to a zero-emission future. We thank Assemblymember Reyes and Senator Gonzalez for their leadership on AB 126 and look to Governor Newsom to quickly sign this life-saving policy into law.”

Transportation is a major source of emissions, in fact, over 90 percent of Californians live in areas impacted by unhealthy air. To reduce emissions, the Lung Association noted, California needs to accelerate investments in the transition to zero-emissions vehicles. The Association’s Zeroing in on Healthy Air report found that California has the most to gain from this transition - $169 billion in health benefits, over 15,000 lives saved, and more than 400,000 avoided asthma attacks by 2050.

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit Lung.org.