Press Releases
September 29, 2004:
LA Faith-Based Community Goes Green at Environmentalist of the Year Awards
Faith Organizations Forging New Partnerships with Environmental Groups and Community Leaders to Shine the Light on Activism and Awareness
Los Angeles (September 28, 2004) - The greening of the faith-based communities in Los Angeles culminates with the Environmentalist of the Year Awards, a reception honoring individuals and corporations whose actions and commitment to environmental progress serves as an inspiration and guiding light to the community. The event is held by CoejlSC (Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life of Southern California) and the LAIEC (Los Angeles Interfaith Environmental Council) in partnership with the City of Los Angeles led by Councilman Eric Garcetti.
CoejlSC and LAIEC have worked closely in the faith-based and secular community to encourage better environmental practices. One of their newest initiatives is the Green Sanctuaries Program, which connects environmental activism to the faith community by assisting them in energy audits to enhance environmental practices within their institutions. Over two dozen churches, synagogues, mosques and temples are involved in the Green Sanctuaries Program, and the number continues to grow. CoejlSC and LAIEC are outspoken supporters of Assemblymember Fran Pavley’s legislative policies to improve air quality and are thrilled to recognize the California Air Resources Board’s official adoption of regulations to implement Pavley’s AB 1493, which will regulate and control greenhouse gas emissions from passenger automobiles and light duty trucks. In addition, the Governor has signed Pavley’s AB 2628 hybrid bill. Pavley was among the honorees of last year’s Environmentalist of the Year Awards.
On October 28th, the 5th Annual Environmentalist of the Year Awards will recognize the following exemplary environmental role models:
- Terry Tamminen, Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, INTERFAITH ENVIRONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
- Marlene Grossman, Executive Director/Founder of Pacoima Beautiful, JEWISH ENVIRONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
- Toyota, Hybrid Vehicle Leader BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR.
- Dorothy Green, Founding President of Heal The Bay, LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
“Throughout all religions, the message is clear that it is our responsibility to care for creation,” said CoejlSC President and LAIEC Co-Chair Lee H. Wallach. “What is outstanding is that these people are leaders in the environmental community. They have broken ground instead of waiting for someone else to step up to the plate. They have struggled and led the way for us to follow.”
This event acknowledges the dedication and environmental spirit of all these groups and individuals:
Terry Tamminen was appointed California EPA Secretary by Governor Schwarzenegger. He has previously served as Director of the Santa Monica-based organization, Environment Now. Tamminen is the founder of the Santa Monica Baykeepers and co-founder of Waterkeepers.
Dorothy Green is currently the Los Angeles region Vice President of the Planning and Conservation League. She is Founding President of Heal the Bay, California Water Impact Network, Los Angeles & San Gabriel Watershed Councils and Officials for Water and Environmental Reform. Green has also served as Commissioner of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Marlene Grossman is currently Executive Director (and Founder) of Pacoima Beautiful. She is also a co-founder of Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative Board, and she co-authored design guidelines for the San Vicente Scenic Corridor Specific Plan which now serves as a model for commercial corridors throughout Los Angeles.
Toyota’s Prius, which debuted in 1997, is the first hybrid car to be mass marketed by a major automobile manufacturer. Listed as Motor Trend’s ‘Car of the Year’ in 2004, Toyota has received accolades in major newspapers and trades throughout the United States.
Title sponsors of the 5th Annual Environmentalist of the Year Awards are Arden Realty, Inc., next>edge, Inc. and Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Major supporters of the event include CharityFinders, Intex Solutions, Inc., Northern Trust Bank, O’Melveny & Myers and Rocket Reporting Network.
For more information about CoejlSC and the LAIEC, or to register for the Environmentalist of the Year Awards, call 310-841-2970 or go to www.CoejlSC.org or www.LAIEC.org.
The mission of CoejlSC is to instill a commitment to environmental protection rooted in Jewish values. The LAIEC mission is to repair, protect and preserve the environment while integrating sustainability, responsibility and advocacy.
