Breathe California of The Bay Area

Nine Green Leaders Honored with 2009 Clean Air Awards

San Francisco , Calif. – With Earth Day just around the corner, Breathe California kicked-off the world’s annual green celebration by recognizing nine Bay Area businesses, organizations and individuals with its 2009 Clean Air Awards.

“Our award recipients have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help build a healthy and sustainable environment,” said Dr. Tom Dailey, Breathe California Board Director and member of the award’s 2009 Blue Sky Panel of Judges. “Their extraordinary contributions will help improve air quality here at home and serve as a model for the rest of the country.”

Breathe California’s prestigious awards are presented as part of the organization’s ongoing campaign to address the growing challenges posed by air pollution and global warming. Now in its 19 th year, the awards recognize local innovations and accomplishments that have helped make the Bay Area a leader in improving air quality. This year’s awards proudly honored the following nine recipients:

The City of Berkeley (Technology / Research)
Cool the Earth (Public Awareness / Education)
The Diesel Rule Coalition (Leadership)
Genentech (Transportation)
Milpitas Unified School District ( Green Buildings / Smart Growth)
San Jose State University (Transportation)
Shaklee Corporation (Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions)
Silicon Valley Leadership Group (Leadership)
Dr. Anthony Iton, Alameda County Health Officer (Public Health)

(full descriptions of our award winners can be found at www.cleanairwards.org)

The awards were presented in front of approximately 200 environmental leaders at Breathe California’s annual Clean Air Luncheon. The event featured a keynote address by Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-12) and the presentation of a special commendation for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Breathe California would also like to recognize the luncheon’s presenting sponsor, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District for its support of the event.

Air pollution and global warming present a significant danger to the environment and to public health. Exposure to high levels of air pollution has been linked to the onset of asthma, the development of lung cancer and premature death. Short-term exposure can cause shortness of breath, trigger an asthma attack or cause serious complications in people with heart disease or diabetes. In addition, global warming can create a prime environment for health risks such as greater air pollution, extreme weather conditions (such as floods, droughts, heat waves and natural disasters) and the spread of infectious diseases.

Breathe California is dedicated to fighting lung disease, advocating for clean air and advancing public health. For more than a century, we have addressed the most serious health threats of our time through grassroots programs that empower individual, institutional and community change for better breathing and healthier living. For more information about Breathe California, the Clean Air Awards or our award recipients, visit www.cleanairawards.org or call one of our Bay Area affiliates at (650) 994-5868 or (408) 998-5865.