Press Releases
October 01, 2004:
CoejlSC Contributes to the Success of Air Quality Bills Authored by Pavley
"Faith Can Save the Environment"
Los Angeles (October 1, 2004) - Long time supporters of Assemblymember Fran Pavley’s efforts to improve air quality in Southern California, The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life of Southern California (CoejlSC) and The Los Angeles Interfaith Environmental Council (LAIEC) are encouraged by the California Air Resources Board official adoption of regulations to implement AB 1493, which will control greenhouse gas emissions from passenger automobiles and light duty trucks. Governor Schwarzenegger also signed into law AB 2628, which allows single-occupant hybrid cars to use carpool lanes. Pavley, of the 41st District, authored both Assembly Bill 2628 and Assembly Bill 1493.
Both bills were created to strengthen California’s efforts to achieve better air quality. Assemblymember Pavley has been committed throughout her career to creating a better environment for future generations. CoejlSC and the LAIEC have long recognized this commitment, publicly supporting her legislation throughout the years. In June 2003, CoejlSC and the LAIEC, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles led by Councilmember Eric Garcetti, honored Pavley for her environmental achievements at the 4th Annual Environmentalist of the Year Awards reception.
“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. “Assemblymember Pavley understands this responsibility and we applaud and support her efforts to improve our environment and quality of life.”
CoejlSC and the LAIEC practice what they preach. Together they created the Green Sanctuaries Program which has greened over two dozen churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples while encouraging organization members to incorporate green practices into their own homes and businesses. The organizations’ goals are to develop and implement sound environmental practices within our community and its institutions, to instill environmental stewardship in present and future generations and to further support these practices by actively participating in the formation of public policy. The progress made through the adoption Assembly Bills 1493 and 2628 illustrates the growing support of these ideals as well as a statewide commitment to preserving the integrity of our environment.
As Honorary Co-Chairs, Assemblymember Pavley along with Governor Gray Davis and Richard S. Ziman unite with CoejlSC and the LAIEC to recognize the environmental leadership of individuals and corporations that have shown dedication in sustaining our natural resources and caring for the environment. The 5th Annual Environmentalist of the Year Awards Reception will be on October 28, 2004 at the home of Richard and Daphna Ziman. The 2004 recipients are:
- 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
The reception, title sponsored by Arden Realty, Inc., next>edge, Inc., and Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., recognizes the dedication of these individuals and corporations to environmental stewardship. Prior honorees have included NRDC’s Gail Ruderman Feuer, Councilmember Ruth Galanter, Heal the Bay’s Executive Director Mark Gold, Emil Lawton, TreePeople’s Founder Andy Lipkis, Assemblymember Fran Pavley, and Arden Realty’s Richard Ziman.
CoejlSC and the LAIEC continue to support legislation such as AB 1493 and AB 2628, as well as create programming and education directed towards fulfilling our obligation to protect the environment and in doing so, our quality of life. CoejlSC and the LAIEC educate and mobilize thousands of members to support the work of organizations like Heal the Bay, NRDC, TreePeople, Coalition for Clean Air. 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.
To learn more about CoejlSC and the LAIEC, or to register for the 5th Annual Environmentalist of the Year Awards Reception, contact the CoejlSC and LAIEC office at (310) 841-2970 or visit the website at www.CoejlSC.org
