The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life in Southern California
(CoejlSC)

PRESS RELEASE September 28, 2004

Faith Organizations Forging New Partnerships with Environmental Groups and Community Leaders to Shine the Eternal Light on Activism and Awareness

Faith Can Save the Environment

As long time supporters of Assemblymember Fran Pavley’s efforts to improve air quality in Southern California, The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life of Southern California (CoejlSC) and The Los Angeles Interfaith Environmental Council (LAIEC) are thrilled to announce that the California Air Resources Board has officially adopted the regulations to implement AB 1493 which will regulate and control greenhouse gas emissions from passenger automobiles and light duty trucks. In addition, Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law AB 2628, which allows single-occupant hybrid cars to use carpool lanes.

Pavley, of the 41st District, authored Assembly Bill 2628 which was sponsored by Treasurer Phil Angelides and the Schwarzenegger administration, as well as Assembly Bill 1493. Both bills strengthen California’s efforts to achieve better air quality, while saving us money at the pumps and reducing our dependency on foreign oil. Assemblymember Pavley has made a commitment to creating a better environment for future generations.

CoejlSC and the LAIEC have long recognized this commitment and have publicly supported her legislation throughout the years, including AB 1493 and AB 2628. In June 2003, CoejlSC and the LAIEC, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles led by Councilmember Eric Garcetti, honored Pavley, among other community leaders, for her environmental achievements at the 4th Annual Environmentalist of the Year Awards reception.

“Throughout all religions, the message is clear that it is our responsibility to care for creation,” said CoejlSC President and LAIEC Co-Chair Lee H. Wallach. “Assemblymember Pavley understands this responsibility, and we applaud and support her efforts to improve our environment and quality of life.”

CoejlSC and the LAIEC practice what they preach. They created the Green Sanctuaries Program which has greened over two dozen churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples, while encouraging members to bring green practices into their own homes and businesses. The organizations’ fundamental goals are to develop and implement sound environmental practices within our community and its institutions, to instill environmental stewardship in present and future generations, and to further support these practices by actively participating in the formation of public policy. The progress made through the adoption Assembly Bills 1493 and 2628 illustrates the growing support of these ideals and a statewide commitment to preserving the integrity of creation.