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Friday, Mar 29, 2024

LAUSD Adopts Stricter Pollution Standards

The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education has decided to adopt a more stringent standard than required by California law for building new schools near sources of airborne pollution. California law prohibits situating new schools within 500 feet of a freeway, with certain exceptions. The board’s action goes beyond state guidelines and expands the current air quality screening scope from a quarter-mile to a half-mile. The new mandate for air quality analysis will also extend beyond freeways to include oil refineries and rail yards. “While I know that we have to build more schools, and we are running out of available land, I do not believe it should come at the expense of our children’s ability to breathe. We have a moral obligation to be leaders on this issue,” Board Vice President Flores Aguilar stated. The board has also directed Superintendent David L. Brewer III to compile a list of existing schools that may pose a health risk due to their proximity to major emission sources. In addition, the Superintendent must develop a plan to reduce exposure for schools that may be at high risk of air pollution, including the identification of public and private funding sources for school site modifications that may be needed, such as improved filtration of indoor air.

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