TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution Honoring California Air Resources Board Commissioner Mary Nichols
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider adoption of Resolution No. 21-002 honoring the dedicated service of Mary Nichols as a California Air Resources Board Commissioner.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Zero Emission Programs
Mary Nichols has been a staunch supporter of transitioning California's transportation system toward zero emission. This has aided the District's goals of transitioning its fleet to zero emission by growing the market and encouraging manufacturers to expand their zero emission offerings. Adopting this resolution will not only honor the tremendous contributions of Mary Nichols to the environmental cause in California, but would also reaffirm the District's commitment to improving the environment in the communities in which we serve.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this resolution
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Mary Nichols has served on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) at times throughout her long and illustrious environmental career since 1975. Her dedication, political acumen, and policy talents made her well respected on both sides of the political aisle, serving both under Democratic governors, such as Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. (1975-82 and 2010-18) and Governor Gavin Newsom (2019-present), as well as a Republican governor, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (2007-2010). Nichols has been credited for a wide variety of accomplishments during her time with CARB, including being at the helm of the board when it crafted California's internationally recognized Climate Action Plan, which included the landmark Cap-and-Trade Program.
With an eye steadfastly focused on environmental issues, it was only natural that Ms. Nichols became a close ally of AC Tra...
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