Schwarzenegger Administration Officials Promote Clean Air in San Joaquin Valley

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--Jan. 19, 2006--Reinforcing Governor Schwarzenegger's message to Help California Breathe Easier, administration officials today promoted clean air at a conference in Bakersfield. California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura and Department of Consumer Affairs Director Charlene Zettel participated in the Energy and Clean Air Business Exposition.

In remarks to San Joaquin Valley business leaders, Secretary Kawamura applauded their commitment to bolstering California's economy while incorporating clean air standards into their businesses.

"Governor Schwarzenegger's administration places a high priority on making California's air cleaner and safer to breathe," said Secretary Kawamura. "Every time you make an environmentally conscious choice in your business practice, you help create a cleaner California."

In June of 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger signed an executive order launching the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley to build a coalition between state and local government and the regional economy to address issues related to high growth, such as air pollution.

Department of Consumer Affairs Director Charlene Zettel also stressed both the health and economic benefits of clean air before crushing a high polluting car from the Bureau of Automotive Repair's Consumer Assistance Program.

"Clean air is essential to the health and quality of life of all California residents," said Director Zettel. "Actions that you take to make clean air a priority will help make California a safer and more desirable place to live and work."

Governor Schwarzenegger launched the Help California Breathe Easier public awareness campaign in March of 2005 to educate Californians about the negative health effects of vehicle pollution. The campaign also promotes the BAR's Consumer Assistance Program, which pays for up to $500 in smog related repairs for qualified vehicles or pays motorists $1000 to permanently retire their high polluting vehicles.

Drivers can find out if they qualify for the CAP program or obtain an application by calling (800) 952-5210 or visiting www.BreatheEasier.ca.gov. Information is available in English and Spanish.