Last fall, equity and environmental justice advocates were pleased at the passage of AB 179. The legislation mandated reform of the California Transportation Commission (CTC) board and placed requirements to ensure diverse representation, including experience working in disadvantaged communities. Despite the promising requirements written into AB 179, Governor Brown just re-appointed two incumbents who do not meet the criteria of equity or climate justice champions. When these slots came open, the Safe Routes Partnership signed onto a statewide coalition letter asking the Governor to improve the diversity of the CTC board. The news of the re-appointments without attention to equity was especially disappointing to equity and environmental justice organizations from the bill author’s (Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes) district, which includes Inland Valleys cities like Riverside and Jurupa Valley, known to have among the worst air quality pollution in the state. Equity representation within the CTC would be instrumental in ensuring transportation decisions consider equity and environmental justice issues.
