In a tough-talking statement released on X, Dr. Philip Fine, the executive officer of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, condemned the recent series of air quality violations at MRC as "troubling and unacceptable," vowing to investigate actively and even further pursue all legal actions required to get the company under control. The Bay Area community, especially residents of Martinez, have been up in arms about the persistent air quality issues linked to MRC's operations. Fine's comments echo this discontent, making clear that the Air District is attuned to the "concern and outrage" of the people.
The Air District has partnered with the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office to jointly tackle the MRC issue, bringing to bear weightier prosecutorial resources. Dr. Fine affirmed the Air District's commitment "to vigorously pursue accountability and justice for the Martinez community." This move signals a ramping up of enforcement against MRC, with the promise to hold the company, which has been at the center of the air quality crisis, accountable for its transgressions. In the online statement, the Air District executive officer stated, "THE RECENT AIR QUALITY VIOLATIONS AT MRC ARE TROUBLING AND UNACCEPTABLE."
Statement by Dr. Philip Fine, executive officer of the Air District, on the recent air quality incidents at #MRC: pic.twitter.com/wRf3yp1pKh
— Bay Area Air Quality (@AirDistrict) December 26, 2023
This isn't the first time MRC has come under fire for environmental issues. The company has been previously cited for violating local air quality regulations, making this latest incident part of a worrying pattern rather than an isolated occurrence. The unified stance taken by the Air District and the District Attorney's Office could spell serious legal repercussions for MRC regarding potential fines and operational restrictions.
The Air District and the County's DA are taking this situation seriously, with Dr. Fine's statement reflecting solidarity with the local community and a commitment to quickly make change happen. "The Air District stands in solidarity with our partners and the residents of Martinez to hold MRC accountable," said Dr. Fine. While MRC has yet to respond publicly to the impending civil enforcement action, the Bay Area air quality watchdog's message is unmistakable.
