Environment

Councilmember Alarcon is a strong support of environmental protections and creating a greener, cleaner City.  During his legislative career he has been a fighter on protecting and preserving the environment and has introduced many pieces of legislation with an environmental focus.

Green Biz LA

On the day that Councilmember Alarcon was sworn in, he introduced a motion to create a Certified Green Business program in the City of Los Angeles, “Green Biz LA”.  This program will allow businesses to apply to be certified as “green” through a city certification process.  To qualify, business must reach a series of benchmarks for conservation, energy efficiency and other environmentally friendly practices.  Business which are certified “green” receive a special seal for their business, material and website as well as listing on a LA Green Biz website. 

The proposal is moving through the committee system and is awaiting funding confirmation from a state program.

This program is based on a very successful certification program in the Bay Area, which has expanded to several other cities in the state.   While a State Senator, Councilmember Alarcon introduced a bill to create a statewide Certified Green Business program, however that bill was vetoed.  


Lopez Canyon Park

In the spring of 2007, Councilmember Alarcon announced that he would be working to create a park at the former site of the Lopez Canyon landfill, which is an impressive 392 acres.  Working with the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Bureau of Sanitation, a proposal is being drafted for the creation of this park that will include horse trails and other park amenities.

For the creation of the plan, the Councilmember will be drawing heavily on community input.  To begin the process, he has re-created the Lake View Terrace and Pacoima Community Advisory Committee, which is comprised of local leaders who will advise the Councilmember on many issues, including the design of a Lopez Canyon Park.

Lopez Canyon Landfill, open from 1975-1996, created serious environmental and health impacts on area residents from having nearly 19 million tons of trash from throughout the city hauled into their immediate area.  In 1996, the community came together to push for the closure of the landfill.  With the help of then-Councilmember Alarcón, the landfill was closed and throughout the years multiple funds were set up to off-set the environmental impact of the landfill, including the currently available Cambrian Energy Fund which is funded from proceeds from the sale of methane gas at the landfill, which is earmarked for use by the community for local projects.

 “I can’t think of a better use of this land,” said Councilmember Alarcón.  “For decades, the community was burdened by increased pollution and the health risks associated with landfills.  Now we have the opportunity to create park and recreation space, which will have positive environmental and health impacts for our community.  Lake View Terrace deserves this park and I’m committed to making sure that residents have a strong voice in its creation.”

Los Angeles River Masterplan and Valley Tributaries
 
Immediately upon his return to Council, the City was preparing to adopt the Los Angeles River Master Plan, a detailed strategy and blueprint to revitalize the LA River from a concrete flood control channel to a valuable natural resource for the various communities lining its banks.  While this would truly be a milestone accomplishment for the City, one key element was lacking in the plan: a strategy and action plan for the creeks and tributaries throughout the San Fernando Valley.
 
As a result of the dialogue at Council, the Los Angeles River Masterplan now acknowledges the value and role of the watersheds in the San Fernando Valley, and incorporates a revitalization strategy to make these creeks and tributaries true assets to Valley residents.
 
In addition to having the Valley incorporated into the Los Angeles River Master Plan, Councilmember Alarcon is actively pursuing park development projects in support of this river greening effort.  He is currently pursuing a land acquisition opportunity using Prop K and CRA resources to bring a large community park along the Pacoima Wash.  Acquisition is anticipated by the end of 2008.

Hansen Dam “Prop O”

With the strong support of Councilmember Alarcon, in the Summer of 2007 the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to approve Proposition O funding for the Hansen Dam Recreational Area Parking Lot and Wetlands Restoration Project.  Prop O, a general obligation bond of $500 million which passed in 2004, authorizes the City of LA to issue grants for projects that protect public health by cleaning up pollution in the city’s watercourse, beaches and ocean, in order to meet Federal Clean Water Act requirements. 

The Hansen Dam project will include the retrofit of one parking lot adjacent to an undeveloped wetland area and will incorporate storm water best management practices to minimize the introduction of pollutants generated from site runoff to the 40-acre Hansen Lake and the surrounding sensitive habitat areas.  The project will include installation of bioswales and treatment wetlands to capture, treat and reuse wet and dry weather flows, protect source water, provide incidental groundwater recharge and reduce flooding.

Thorough Environmental Review / CEQA
 
With a 100% Voting record from the California League of Conservation Voters, Councilmember Alarcon has long been a staunch advocate for the environment.  At the local level, in addition to policy implementation, the Councilmember has been an environmental watchdog by ensuring that the City properly follows the California Environmental Quality Act, specifically as related to land use issues and project review by the appropriate City departments. 

Councilmember Alarcon has consistently challenged the status quo in regards to the EIR (Environmental Impact Review) and MND (Mitigated Negative Declaration) process to ensure an appropriate and thorough environmental review.