Rep. Torres & Tom Steyer Highlight Sustainability in the Inland Empire
ONTARIO, CA – Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) joined NextGen Climate President Tom Steyer for tours of projects that are helping to make environmental sustainability a way of life for all residents of the Inland Empire.
"Living in Southern California, we recognize how vulnerable our communities are to the impacts of environmental changes," said Torres. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to show one of the leaders in the movement to guard against climate change some of the people and organizations working right here in the Inland Empire to create an environmentally sustainable future. Protecting the environment isn't a political issue, and the two sites we visited today are proving how sustainability can have a positive impact on our economy, health, community, and of course, the environment."
"The Inland Empire is thinking way ahead about clean energy, healthy food, and sustainability," said Steyer. "Local leaders and programs are addressing the future with great enthusiasm, wisdom, and community spirit. Congresswoman Torres and her staff exemplify the thoughtful and gracious community they serve and represent."
Steyer and Torres began the day at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency in Chino where they were briefed by representatives of IEUA and Southern California Edison on their increasing use of renewable energy and toured their solar panels and their state-of-the-art Tesla battery storage facility that allows IEUA to optimize its energy efficiency. They later visited the Huerta Del Valle Community Garden in Ontario which is making organic, sustainable produce accessible and affordable to families regardless of income and met with local immigrant families who are benefiting from Huerta Del Valle's services.
Prior to today's site visits, Torres and Steyer also met with local Muslim leaders in Torres's district office to discuss the impact of the administration's policies on the Inland Empire's Muslim community.