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Greenbelt Alliance In the News
January 2, 2010
Your Turn: Must work together on fixing the climate
Subheading
Stephanie Reyes
California should be proud of its pioneering laws aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and Supervisor Ken Yeager is right that California needs to make sure these laws reach their full potential ("Climate change shifting how Bay Area land-use decisions are made," Dec. 19). The best way to succeed is for everyone to work together.
It's critical because:
SB 375 and the air district CEQA guidelines will not only help us avoid the worst effects of climate change, they will also improve public health and provide residents with more options for how to get around, reducing transportation costs.
By investing in public transit and infill development, regional and local agencies will be assisting the economic and social revival of downtowns.
Children with asthma and communities that will be affected by sea level rise — all of us, really — can't afford to wait.
Yeager is also right that significant involvement by local leaders and residents is essential. Everyone, from city council members to neighborhood leaders, should take advantage of the many opportunities to participate in shaping these plans.
We must move forward quickly with an open, transparent public process to plan for a healthier, climate-friendly future in the Bay Area.
