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Strategy 1A

Minimize the exposure of vulnerable populations to pollution and reduce health disparities

Highways and polluting facilities such as refineries, rail yards, and factories are often located in close proximity to low-income communities and communities of color in LA County. These communities face elevated health risks from pollutant exposure and have historically been overburdened and under-resourced.

OurCounty establishes a framework for long-term policies to better protect these communities from pollution and reduce health inequities, with short-term and medium-term actions that support these goals.

Targets
Countywide:

Baseline
The prevalence of childhood asthma was 7.5% in 2015. (LA County Department of Public Health (DPH) Health Survey, 2015)

2025
Decrease childhood asthma prevalence to 6.8%

2035
Decrease childhood asthma prevalence to 6.0%

2045
Decrease childhood asthma prevalence to 5.0%

Baseline
There were an estimated 1,031 tons of diesel PM10 emissions and 682 tons of diesel PM2.5 emissions in 2017. (California Air Resources Board)

2025
Decrease average on-road diesel particulate matter emissions to 80% below 2017 levels

2035
Decrease average on-road diesel particulate matter emissions to 100% below 2017 levels

Baseline
Disadvantaged communities in LA County had an average toxicity-weighted concentration of emissions of 6,364 μg/m3 in 2011-2013. (CalEnviroScreen 3.0)

2035
Reduce toxicity-weighted concentrations of emissions in disadvantaged communities by 40%

2045
Reduce toxicity-weighted concentrations of emissions in disadvantaged communities by 80%

Baseline
On average, monitored sites in LA County recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 11.3 μg/m3 in 2017, with 3 of 10 sites exceeding the Federal and State standard (12.0 μg/m3). On average, monitored sites in LA County exceeded the Federal and State 8-hour ozone standard (0.70 ppm) on 25 days in 2017. (California Air Resources Board, South Coast Air Quality Management District)

2025
Reach attainment status with the Federal and State annual PM2.5 standard (12.0 μg/m3)

2035
Reach attainment status with the Federal and State 8-hour ozone standard (0.70 ppm)

Action 1

Limit siting of new sensitive uses, such as playgrounds, daycare centers, schools, residences, or medical facilities, at least 500 feet from freeways.

Action 2

Expand the minimum setback distance for oil and gas operations from sensitive land uses.

Action 3

Conduct an inventory to identify all abandoned/idled oil and gas infrastructure in LA County, and work with DOGGR to develop and implement a closure plan, prioritized by condition and proximity to sensitive populations, that includes identification of potential funding sources.

Action 4

Require oil and gas facility operators to prepare and make available to the public a comprehensive Community Safety Plan, in coordination with County departments, including Fire, Public Works, and Law Enforcement.

Action 5

Expand the role and authority for DPH in the initial permitting process, and the ongoing enforcement of regulations for industrial facilities.

Action 6

Consider and prioritize recommendations from Metro's Countywide Strategic Truck Arterial Network (CSTAN) that minimize emissions exposure for vulnerable populations through County planning efforts.

Action 7

Utilize fenceline and community air monitoring data to improve emissions regulations on refineries and other industrial facilities, and expand enforcement resources for these regulations.

Action 8

Plan and implement a new lead-based paint hazard remediation program.

Action 9

Partner with AQMD to monitor air quality in the vicinity of schools and identify measures to reduce pollution exposure.

Action 10

Partner with local and regional agencies along key freight corridors, as well as with private freight movers, to implement 'green goods movement' technologies, such as medium- and he avy-duty zero emission vehicle infrastructure, through initiatives like Metro's I-710 Corridor Project or use of County properties for refueling.

Action 11

Develop a public engagement, enforcement, and compliance plan for illegal dumping.

Explore actions by topic tag

Air Quality,

Climate,

Economy & Workforce,

Energy,

Equity,

Funding & Financing,

Housing,

Land Use,

Landscapes & Ecosystems,

Public Health,

Resilience,

Transportation,

Waste & Resource Management,

Water

See all actions

Explore more goals

Goal 1

Resilient and healthy community environments where residents thrive in place

Goal 2

Buildings and infrastructure that support human health and resilience

Goal 3

Equitable and sustainable land use and development without displacement

Goal 4

A prosperous LA County that provides opportunities for all residents and businesses and supports the transition to a green economy

Goal 5

Thriving ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity

Goal 6

Accessible parks, beaches, recreational waters, public lands, and public spaces that create opportunities for respite, recreation, ecological discovery, and cultural activities

Goal 7

A fossil fuel-free LA County

Goal 8

A convenient, safe, clean, and affordable transportation system that enhances mobility and quality of life while reducing car dependency

Goal 9

Sustainable production and consumption of resources

Goal 10

A sustainable and just food system that enhances access to affordable, local, and healthy food

Goal 11

Inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance that encourages participation in sustainability efforts, especially by disempowered communities

Goal 12

A commitment to realize OurCounty sustainability goals through creative, equitable, and coordinated funding and partnerships
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