More than 8,000 high school students are expected to attend an air quality conference this spring focusing on clean-air technologies and

actions that students can take to help the region achieve clean air.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Governing Board approved funding today for the conference, which will be held May 27

from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  Titled “A World We Can Change,” it will include student informational

sessions, over 50 exhibits, music, and an advanced-technology vehicle parade and showcase.

“Young people are our future and now is the time to engage them as future stewards of our environment,” said William A. Burke, Ed.D.,

chairman of AQMD’s Governing Board.  “I hope teachers across the Southland will encourage students to get involved in air quality and

climate change issues by bringing them to this important conference.”

The conference is expected to include:
• Rock the Vote, an organization that uses music to engage young people in current issues;
• High-profile environmental speakers;
• High school students that have initiated change in their communities;
• Climate change sessions on technology, transportation and personal responsibility;
• Information on career training, colleges and volunteer opportunities in environmental fields;
• Over 50 exhibits;
• Short films on air quality and climate change; and
• Advanced-technology vehicle parade and showcase

 The event is free and open to all high schools in AQMD’s four-county jurisdiction.  Science and environmental studies teachers are

encouraged to attend with their students.  AQMD will provide lunch for students and teachers and reimburse schools for the cost of

transportation to the conference and for substitute teachers.  However pre-registration is required.

For more details about AQMD’s “A World We Can Change” Clean Air Conference & Expo, visit www.aqmd.gov or send an e-mail to

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

In other action today, the Board:
• Awarded $1.63 million to Neuton Lawn Mower Co. and Black & Decker Co. to conduct AQMD’s 2010 Lawn Mower Exchange Program.  This

year, 9,380 mowers will be available for exchange.  Since 2003, AQMD has exchanged 28,475 gasoline mowers for zero-emission, cordless

models.  Visit www.aqmd.gov to sign-up for e-mail notification of upcoming exchange events; and
• Approved more than $16 million to fund clean school buses, low-emission trucks at the ports and projects to retrofit or replace

highly polluting construction equipment with newer models.

AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.