BACKGROUND:

Air pollution continues to be an important public health concern, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the County’s Air Pollution Control Board  (APCB), both of which I am a member.  The CARBs air monitoring shows that more than 90 percent of Californians breathe unhealthy levels of one or more air pollutants during some part of the year, although it should be mentioned the County of San Diego has met the federal one-hour ozone requirement last year. We did not, however, meet the more stringent state eight-hour standard.  We hope to be changing that soon over time.

A primary culprit to poor air quality has been proven time and time again by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be cars and trucks that are fuel-inefficient, an example being the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).  I am not arguing the use for Sport Utility Vehicles is not important for certain job functions in the County.  A good example of this is during the October fires, we needed SUVs to travel off-road when repairs needed to be made by our Department of Public Works (DPW).  Also, there is a need for SUVs for various law enforcement activities.  Nevertheless, there are many reasons why we do not need to purchase SUVs as well.  Even though our Department of General Services does a great job in trying to limit these purchases, it is unwritten and subject to wide interpretation of what is “needed.”  Thus, a more formalized policy needs to be adopted so we can feel confident in the fact that any purchase of a future SUV is truly “needed” by the County for their work.

The goals of this policy are simple.  One, to reduce air pollution and excessive gas consumption caused by SUVs that have been shown not to be fuel-efficient.  Two, to reduce taxpayer dollars wasted on gasoline and diesel purchases for SUVs.  And, three, to reduce County dollars on purchasing of SUVs when other less expensive and more fuel-efficient vehicles are appropriate.

Again, I want to reiterate that I am not opposed to individuals who own and operate SUVs for work or pleasure.  However, the fact that they are serious contributors to poor air quality is not in dispute.  Thus, as a public agency, we have a duty to protect the public health where necessary.  Limiting the purchases of non-essential SUVs is a start, and hopefully an example for others to follow in our region.

                                                            Respectfully Submitted,

                                                            RON ROBERTS                                             

                                                            Supervisor, Forth District