Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration has today promoted plans for clean air initiatives in the San Joaquin Valley.

The promotions included talks to local San Joaquin valley businessmen to encourage environmentally conscious business choices and the symbolic crushing of a high polluting car.

Air pollution and the environment have been a consistent concern for Governor Schwarzenegger since he was sworn in in November 2003 and he began his Help California Breathe Easier campaign in March last year.

Environmental concerns were sparked by a study undertaken by USC Keck School of Medicine that demonstrated a positive correlation between children living near big freeways and asthma.

Charlene Zettel, consumer affairs director of the Schwarzenegger administration, said: "This is even more evidence of the clear link between vehicle pollution and respiratory illness, we must do everything we can to take high-polluting vehicles off the road."

A Consumer Assistance Programme has been set up to subsidise the transition to an environmentally friendly vehicle.

The state pays up to $500 for environmental repairs to be made on a car or $1000 if the polluting vehicle is completely taken off the road.

Schwarzenegger is keen to promote cleaner vehicle technology and is even reported to be considering converting his famous hummer road vehicle to cleaner hydrogen fuel technology.


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