Bill Separating Warehouses from Homes, Schools Passes California Legislature

New Law Aims to Address Environmental, Health Concerns

A bill designed to protect California communities from the harmful effects of warehouse pollution has passed the state legislature and is headed to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk for his signature.

The bill, AB 2621, would create a 1,000-foot buffer zone between warehouses and homes, schools, and other sensitive land uses. This buffer zone would help reduce the exposure of residents to air pollution, noise, and traffic congestion.

Warehouses have become increasingly common in California in recent years as the state's economy has shifted towards e-commerce. However, the growth of the warehouse industry has also led to a number of problems for nearby communities, including increased air pollution, noise, and traffic congestion.

Bill Addresses Environmental Justice Concerns

AB 2621 is designed to address these environmental justice concerns by creating a buffer zone between warehouses and sensitive land uses. The bill's author, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), said that the bill is necessary to protect the health and well-being of California residents.

"Warehouses are often located in low-income communities and communities of color," Gonzalez said. "These communities are already disproportionately burdened by pollution and other environmental hazards. This bill will help to reduce the exposure of these communities to warehouse pollution and improve their quality of life."

Bill Faces Opposition from Warehouse Industry

The warehouse industry has opposed AB 2621, arguing that it would make it difficult to build new warehouses in California. However, supporters of the bill say that the benefits of the bill outweigh the costs.

"The health and well-being of our communities is more important than the profits of the warehouse industry," said Adrianna Quintero, a community organizer with the California Environmental Justice Alliance. "This bill will help to protect our communities from the harmful effects of warehouse pollution and create a healthier future for all Californians."

Bill Expected to Be Signed by Governor Newsom

AB 2621 is expected to be signed into law by Governor Newsom. The bill has the support of a number of environmental groups, public health organizations, and community groups.

The bill's passage is a major victory for environmental justice advocates and a step towards creating a healthier future for California communities.