THIRD READING 

Bill No: SR 59

Author: Skinner (D)

Introduced: 8/20/19

Vote: Majority

SUBJECT: Children's Environmental Health Month 2019

SOURCE: Environmental Working Group

DIGEST:

This resolution proclaims October 2019 as Children's Environmental Health Month, and affirms that all children have a right to clean air and water, safer food and products, and healthy environments.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. All children are affected by environmental hazards. Pollution and environmental degradation know no county, state, regional, or national border. Contaminants are transported through many media, including air, water, soil, and food throughout the world.
2. It is well accepted that children living in poverty and children in disadvantaged communities are at disproportionate risk for exposure to environmental hazards.
3. The United States has experienced worrisome increases in certain childhood diseases, disorders, and health problems, including asthma, autism, obesity, and cancer. Researchers are working hard to determine to what degree these increases are linked to environmental exposures.
4. The aim of Children's Environmental Health Month is to raise awareness about the importance of clean air and water, safe food and consumer products, and healthy environments to children's health and development.
5. Children's Environmental Health Day was created by the Children's Environmental Health Network and celebrated for the first time on October 13, 2016. Children's Environmental Health Day is a national effort supported by individuals, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to encourage individuals and organizations to raise awareness and understanding of children's environmental health issues, seek improved protections for children, and perform acts of sustainability or environmental health wellness.
6. Together, we can safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of our children, who are our most precious resource.

This resolution proclaims October 2019 as Children's Environmental Health Month, and affirms that all children have a right to clean air and water, safer food and products, and healthy environments.

Related/Prior Legislation

HR 58 (Reyes, 2019) proclaims October 2019 as Children’s Environmental Health Month, and affirms that all children have a right to clean air and water, safer food and products, and healthy environments. (Pending in the Assembly)

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/21/19)

Environmental Working Group (source)

Alameda County Healthy Homes Coalition

Alliance of Nurses for Health Environments

Breast Cancer Prevention Partners

Brighter Beginnings

California Brain Tumor Association

California League of Conservation Voters

California Public Interest Research Group

California Safe Schools

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Center for Environmental Health

Clean Water Action

Green and Healthy Homes Initiative

Seeds of Awareness

Smart Oakland, Healthy Homes

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/21/19)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The author states, “Children are especially vulnerable to environmental hazards, because their bodily systems are not fully developed, so they take in a higher proportion of air, food, and liquid than adults. Kids are particularly impacted by air pollution, such as particulate matter from diesel vans and trucks. Children living in poverty near major transit corridors suffer from increased hospitalizations and emergency department visits for exacerbated chronic heart and lung disease. SR 59 proclaims October 2019 as Children’s Environmental Health Month, thereby raising awareness about the importance of clean air and water, safe food and consumer products, and healthy environments for children’s health and development. Children’s Environmental Health Day was created by the Children’s Environmental Health Network in 2016. The California State Senate proclaims October 2019 as Children’s Environmental Health Month.”

Prepared by: Melissa Ward / SFA / (916) 651-1520

8/21/19 16:20:32

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