Fall, 1997
The Struggle Continues
by Sandi Funke
It is almost two years since Kaiser Cement in Cupertino experimentally burned tires and area citizens are still fighting for clean air. "They still haven't applied for a permit, so we are winning so far" says West Valley Citizen Air Watch (WVCAW) activist Marilyn McCarthy. The group is busy organizing to ensure that they continue winning.
Besides continuing with the collection of over 8500 cards opposing tire burning, WVCAW activists have been busy in Sacramento. "AB 375 would have provided facilities like Kaiser with a subsidy for burning tires. We worked hard to defeat that bill", said Leslie Fowler of WVCAW. In addition to phoning assembly members, WVCAW testified at hearings in Sacramento on the bill.
The group has also been working locally to educate area organizations and meet with local politicians. The group has met with Assemblypersons Elaine Alquist and Jim Cunneen, County Board Supervisor Joe Simitian, and Cupertino City Council candidates: Andrea Harris, Sandra James, John Statton and Steve Haze. "We believe the tire burning issue will be a central element in the upcoming Cupertino elections" said Leslie Fowler.
Because of extremely strong community opposition to tire burning at the local level, the cement industry is now moving the battle to Sacramento where they feel their lobbyists will be able to successfully pass state-wide initiatives that would enable them to burn tires.
Although WVCAW has beaten the tire burning industry initiative (AB375) in the Legislature, Kaiser is now lobbying the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB). On Friday, Sept. 12th, Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition alerted WVCAW about a CIWMB public hearing where the Board would consider adopting a policy that would encourage tire burning. The public hearing was scheduled to occur on Monday, Sept. 15th, less than one business day away.
Within 48 hours, WVCAW initiated a FAX and CALL opposition to the resolution. The Chair and the Executive Director of the CIWMB were targeted, as well as several elected officials. Sen. Byron Sher sent a letter to the CIWMB in WVCAW's support. Thanks to everyone's help and quick response to the WVCAW action call, the CIWMB policy meeting was rescheduled to October 22nd. This postponement is allowing WVCAW time to organize an effective campaign opposing the resolution.
Given the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's definitive conclusion from the Kaiser Cement test burn that burning tires increases the cancer risk in the surrounding community, it is important the CIWMB listen to the citizens of California, not the cement industry's corporate lobbyists. Instead of promoting tire burning, the CIWMB should be emphasizing research on removing any remaining technical barriers to the complete re-use and re-cycling of tires and should be investigating and promoting technologies that protect the quality of life in California. Take action now.
1. Please CALL or WRITE the CIWMB and express your opposition to Resolution 97-425, the proposal that officially endorses tires as a fuel supplement. Write to CIWMB Chair, Daniel Pennington, 8800 Cal Center Drive, Sacramento, CA 95826, PHONE NUMBER 916-255-2200, FAX#: 916-255-2228 Send copies of your letters to your state assemblyperson and state senator.
2. Get involved in the fight for clean air. Call the SVTC at 408-288-7882 get more information about the West Valley Citizens Air Watch (WVCAW). WVCAW meets 2 times a month in Cupertino. Call SVTC about meeting times and places.
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