ABA GREEN NEWS

ABA Supports Clean Air Events

May was Clean Air Month, and Sacramento State hosted the 36th Annual Breathe California Clean Air Awards Luncheon in the University Union Ballroom on May 18. This is the third year Breathe California has chosen Sac State as the site for its event.

The luncheon honors community champions who help improve air quality in the metropolitan region, consistently ranked one of the most polluted in the country.

This year's ceremony opened with remarks from Vice President/CFO Ming Tung "Mike" Lee. University Transportation & Parking Services (UTAPS) was as a silver sponsor for the event, and UTAPS staff and students hosted an information booth at the event featuring Sac State Commute Choices.

Nominations for the awards are gathered from the public and award recipients are chosen by a "Blue Ribbon Panel" of community leaders. Champion's for 2012 included Harv's Car Wash, UC Davis West Village, the County of Sacramento and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

Lisa Baker from the Sacramento Tree Foundation received the year’s leadership award. The University's Hornet Express Shuttle Program was a 2010 Clean Air Champion. The award recognized the shuttle program for operating an entire fleet of natural gas busses. The University received an honorable mention in 2011.

"The event attracts many elected officials from all over the region, bringing exposure to the campus and its involvement in clean air initiatives. One of UTAPS' goals is encouraging the use of alternative transportation to help improve regional air quality," said Fox. UTAPS Senior Director Nancy Fox has been a member of the Luncheon Steering Committee for ten years, and served as chair in 2010.

Earlier in the month, UTAPS hosted Sac State Bike Day in the Library Quad, in conjunction with the Sacramento Transportation Management Association.

Staff from UTAPS Noel Carolipio, employee transportation coordinator, and Samantha Marier, student assistant, managed the event in the Library Quad, distributing information to encourage bicycling as an alternate mode of transportation for students, faculty and staff. ASI Peak Adventures participated, providing "on the spot" bicycle repair.