AQMD to host seminar on perils to the planet

To broaden its outreach on air quality issues, the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) will host "Our Faith—Our Planet, an Interfaith Summit" on Thurs., Feb. 19 at the USC Davidson Conference Center, Los Angeles.

"We realize that our faith leaders are a vital link to the communities we serve," said Barry Waller-stein, AQMD executive officer. "This summit is an excellent opportunity for members of our agency to meet with them, along with other civic leaders and educators, to learn how we can work together to improve our region’s air quality."

The event presentations include a keynote address on air quality and environmental justice and a panel discussion on "Spirituality and the Earth," interfaith perspectives on the environment.

There will be two working sessions. The first focuses on energizing youth to become clean air advocates, and the second presents effective tools that community members may use to help clean the air—from lobbying legislators to establishing carpool routes for faith and community-oriented events.

Groups and organizations confirmed to partner with AQMD for this event include the University of Southern California, City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission, Los Angeles Interfaith Environmental Council, Southern California Ecumenical Council, Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life of Southern California, FAME Renaissance, Board of Rabbis of Southern California, Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment, Loyola Marymount University, California Interfaith Power & Light, American Lung Association of LA County, First Nations Tribal Family Center, Inc., San Fernando Presbytery, California Council of Churches, and Omar Ibn Al Khattab Foundation.

To register for and receive more information on the AQMD’s Interfaith Summit on Air Quality, please call Sylvia Palafox at (213) 891-2965.