Oxnard Community Tour Recap
On September 26, participants from California Air Resources Board (CARB), Climate First: Reducing Oil & Gas (CFROG), Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), California Energy Commission (CEC) and Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) gathered on the shores of Ormond Beach for an environmental justice tour that highlighted the pollution challenges faced by local residents.
Standing just steps away from the Ormond Beach Generating Station, we discussed the air quality impacts caused by the aging power plant, which has long affected this community. The proximity of the plant to the beach and nearby homes brought the environmental and health concerns into sharp focus.
From the beach, we also talked about other nearby sources of pollution, including the Port of Hueneme. The increased ship traffic at the port, combined with the trucks moving cargo to and from the area, contributes significantly to air pollution in the area. This has created additional burdens for residents already dealing with the environmental impacts of industrial sites.
Figure 1: CAUSE youth leader from South Oxnard
standing in front of the Ormond Beach Generating Station
We also discussed the New Indy Containerboard factory, which has intensified truck traffic through local neighborhoods, adding to concerns about diesel emissions and noise. Though we didn’t visit these sites directly, the view from the beach underscored how close these industrial operations are to the community, and how they intersect to create a significant environmental justice issue.
Figure 2: CAUSE Community Outreach Event
Figure 3: Participants from CFROG, CEC, GO-Biz,
CARB and CAUSE learning about the Ormond Beach
Generating Station in the background
From there, we the Oxnard High School for a community meeting to discuss amendments to CARB’s Advanced Clean Cars II program, which reduces emissions from passenger cars and trucks.
Key Insights and Lessons Learned
- Cumulative Impacts Matter: The pollution from the Ormond Beach Generating Station, combined with emissions from the Port of Hueneme and increased truck traffic, creates a cumulative burden on the community. Addressing one source of pollution is important, but comprehensive solutions are needed to tackle the total environmental impact.
- Proximity to Industry: The close proximity of these industrial sites to residential areas underscores the need for stronger regulatory measures to protect local air quality and public health.
- Community Advocacy is Key: Residents are acutely aware of the environmental challenges they face, and their voices are essential in pushing for cleaner air and a healthier environment. Supporting these communities with data, resources, and advocacy will be critical to making lasting change.
This tour was a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address pollution and health disparities in Oxnard. CARB is committed to advocating for cleaner air and a healthier future for these communities.
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