Dr. William Burke

South Coast AQMD finds justice for Blacks, Latinos and underserved communities

Three underserved communities will soon see improvements in air quality following action taken by the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Governing Board. The Governing Board today adopted emissions reduction plans that will cut exposure to toxic air pollution in the communities of: Wilmington/West Long Beach/Carson; San Bernardino/Muscoy; and Boyle Heights/East Los Angeles/West Commerce.

Chairman Burke gets another AQMD term

William A. Burke, Ed.D., is sworn in on Feb. 5 for a new term as Chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District by Michael Antonovich, fellow SCAQMD Board member and Los Angeles County Supervisor. As the first African-American to chair the SCAQMD Board, Dr. Burke has served the public for more than 22 years, including 18 as chairman — the longest leadership tenure on SCAQMD’s Board. Initially appointed to the Board in 1993, Dr. Burke also is the former Speaker of the California State Assembly Willie Brown’s last serving appointee. During his time as SCAQMD Board Chair Dr.