Local elected officials score zero on air-quality leadership

Kevin Hall’s column detailing the willful dereliction of duty by air-quality regulators explains a lot about why our ability to breathe and exercise outdoors remains limited and is getting worse.

However, I don’t think he goes far enough in assessing blame.

There has been zero leadership by local elected officials. It is past time for the mayor, city council, board of supervisors and school boards to confront the degradation of our local environment.

For example:

▪  Taxpayer-funded vehicles could be hybrid or electric and charging stations could be installed throughout the county.

▪  All public buildings could install solar panels.

▪  The school district could have air masks available and determine when they are advisable or required.

▪  Buses should be quadrupled, with programs in place to encourage ridership.

▪  All local taxpayer-funded websites could include links to air-quality information. I’m certain that sustainability experts could suggest additional ways to alert residents and improve the air.

Our representatives need to lobby Sacramento and Washington for funding to address this disaster. But instead of creative solutions and initiative, all we’ve gotten from those in charge is silence and passivity. Perhaps they don’t believe they breathe the same air voters do?

This story was originally published January 16, 2018 at 12:35 PM with the headline "Local elected officials score zero on air-quality leadership."