Breathe California kicked-off Earth Day, the world’s annual green celebration, by recognizing nine Bay Area businesses, organizations and individuals with its 2009 Clean Air Awards. San Jose State’s Transportation Solutions project is among the honorees. “Our award recipients have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help build a healthy and sustainable environment,” said Dr. Tom Dailey, Breathe California Board Director and member of the award’s 2009 Blue Sky Panel of Judges. “Their extraordinary contributions will help improve air quality here at home and serve as a model for the rest of the country.”
Breathe California’s prestigious awards are presented as part of the organization’s ongoing campaign to address the growing challenges posed by air pollution and global warming. Now in its 19th year, the awards recognize local innovations and accomplishments that have helped make the Bay Area a leader in improving air quality. This year’s awards proudly honored the following nine recipients:
San Jose State University (Transportation)
For developing the university’s Transportation Solutions program, which has increased the use of alternative transportation modes to campus by over 300 percent in the last eight years
See the rest of the awardees.
The City of Berkeley (Technology / Research)
For initiating an innovative, affordable solar financing program that increases the use of renewable energy in the region by enabling the average homeowner to install photovoltaic cells
Cool the Earth (Public Awareness / Education)
For creating and implementing an in-school climate protection program that empowers students and families to take simple, measurable actions to reduce greenhouse gases
The Diesel Rule Coalition (Leadership)
For leadership in advocating for the adoption of the state’s diesel truck rule, which will lead to the reduction of toxic diesel exhaust from trucks and buses
Genentech (Transportation)
For the successful implementation of a multi-faceted alternative commute program that has reduced solo commuting by 12 percent in a two-year period
Milpitas Unified School District (Green Buildings / Smart Growth)
For installing a 3.4 megawatt solar panel system that services 14 sites, using clean energy to provide 75 percent of the District’s annual electricity needs and 100 percent during peak-demand summer months
Shaklee Corporation (Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions)
For pledging to maintain a net-zero impact on climate change and offset 100 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions between 2006 and 2009
Silicon Valley Leadership Group (Leadership)
For its leadership in the Bay Area Climate Change Collaborative, a coordinated regional effort to reduce greenhouse gases by promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy and best practices
Dr. Anthony Iton, Alameda County Health Officer (Public Health)
For highlighting the inequities in life-expectancy in West Oakland associated with risk factors including air quality and for his commitment to meaningful community participation in the decision-making process
The awards were presented in front of approximately 200 environmental leaders at Breathe California’s annual Clean Air Luncheon. The event featured a keynote address by Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-12) and the presentation of a special commendation for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Breathe California would also like to recognize the luncheon’s presenting sponsor, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District for its support of the event.
Air pollution and global warming present a significant danger to the environment and to public health. Exposure to high levels of air pollution has been linked to the onset of asthma, the development of lung cancer and premature death. Short-term exposure can cause shortness of breath, trigger an asthma attack or cause serious complications in people with heart disease or diabetes. In addition, global warming can create a prime environment for health risks such as greater air pollution, extreme weather conditions (such as floods, droughts, heat waves and natural disasters) and the spread of infectious diseases.
Breathe California is dedicated to fighting lung disease, advocating for clean air and advancing public health. For more than a century, we have addressed the most serious health threats of our time through grassroots programs that empower individual, institutional and community change for better breathing and healthier living. For more information about Breathe California, the Clean Air Awards or our award recipients, visit www.cleanairawards.org or call one of our Bay Area affiliates at (650) 994-5868 or (408) 998-5865.
