GREEN TECHNOLOGY

Supervisor Antonovich has led the effort to promote use of clean energy technology in Los Angeles County. In January 2007, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved his motion to build upon the Countywide Energy and Environmental Policy, by further supporting incentives that promote the use of sustainable building practices by other public entities as well as the private sector that reduce resource consumption, energy consumption, and release of pollutants and wastes, such as through the use of solar energy and water reclamation.

“As energy and construction cost continue to rise, it is apparent that sustainable building practices should be supported and encouraged,” said Supervisor Antonovich. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings account for 65% of all electricity consumption in the U.S., contribute 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions, and are responsible for 30% of all raw materials used.

Sustainable design is the practice of creating healthier and more resource efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition. Sustainable or green buildings are good public policy and save taxpayer dollars—they are designed to use resources more efficiently. Sustainable buildings significantly reduce energy costs compared to traditional buildings, use materials efficiently to achieve lowest lifetime costs, and are more durable and flexible. In addition, sustainable buildings keep reusable, recyclable, and toxic building materials out of landfills.

WATER CONSERVATION

To address the County’s long term water supply needs, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Supervisor Antonovich’s motion in October 2007 to develop a water conservation ordinance requiring the use of drought-tolerant and native landscaping in all new development in the County’s unincorporated communities.

“Over 70% of household water usage occurs outside the house. This ordinance will minimize the need for excessive watering of plants that are not native to Southern California or otherwise require a lot of water to survive,” said Antonovich.

The Departments of Public Works and Regional Planning will also consider additional conservation strategies for future ordinances including drip-irrigation sprinkler systems, dual-piping for recycled water, and similar equipment.

Antonovich also urged State legislation authorizing construction of dams and waterway improvements in Northern California. “Drought conditions, increased water transport costs and environmental concerns at the San Joaquin Delta require new infrastructure to meet the State’s growing water needs.”

AIR QUALITY

Supervisor Antonovich has also led the effort to convert the MTA’s bus fleet to natural gas, and employ tougher truck emission regulations.

As a member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board since 1988, Supervisor Antonovich has worked hard to protect public health from air pollution. He has worked with the other members of the South Coast AQMD to develop programs to reduce emissions from various sources, including specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents, even consumer products.

The South Coast Air Basin covers an area of 6,745 square miles with a population of 14.6 million. For more information on the South Coast AQMD please visit their website. http://www.aqmd.gov/Default.htm

In April 2007, Supervisor Antonovich implemented a pilot air quality flag program at Providencia Elementary School, the program warns school children of bad air quality using a color coated flag system.

ILLEGAL DUMPING

“Illegal dumping is a danger to public health and safety, decrease property values, lowers the quality of life, and costs County taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in clean-up, education, and enforcement."

To curb illegal dumping in the Antelope Valley, Supervisor Antonovich initiated the Antelope Valley Illegal Dumping Task Force in 1996 -- to raise public awareness and identify and prosecute violators.

A hotline and website was established to make it convenient for residents to report violators anonymously. The toll-free Hotline (888) 8 DUMPING features live operators Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. After hours, residents can leave a voice message and the matter will be handled the next business day. Reports can also be made at www.stopillegaldumping.com 24 hours a day. A new feature also allows residents to track the progress of their reports.

To further assist residents in properly managing their waste, Supervisor Antonovich encourages residents to utilize other vital County programs including:

• The Antelope Valley Environmental Collection Center – to dispose of hazardous waste
  
• Free Tire Collection Day – to dispose of tires at locations twice a year or four unwanted tires per year at Lancaster Landfill.
• Free Bulky Item Drop-off – to dispose of one bulky item a year at the Lancaster Landfill.
  
• Free Dump Day – allows County residents to drop-off up to 1 ton of trash twice per year.

For more information, please contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Environmental Programs Division at (626) 458-4991.