The California Attorney General’s Office has announced that CSUDH is one of seven recipients of an Automobile Emissions Research and Technology Fund grant. The university was awarded $140,575 to study the environmental and ecological impacts of automobile emissions and other anthropogenic pollution on Southern California ecosystems.
The project, which was proposed and will be led by Assistant Professor of Biology Justin Valliere, will use dendrochronology – the study of tree rings – and stable isotope analysis to explore relationships between climate change, tree growth, and air pollution at high and low pollution sites in the Santa Monica Mountains. In addition to supporting this novel research approach, the program will also directly engage and train students in inquiry-based environmental research.
“This award will provide a really exciting opportunity for understanding the environmental impacts of air pollution and climate change on Southern California’s ecosystems, and it will also be a wonderful experience for the graduate and undergraduate students engaged in the research project,” said Valliere.
The Automobile Emissions Research and Technology Fund grants stem from a 2016 settlement with Volkswagen over its emission cheating scandal. The funding support research, development, and the acquisition of technology that enhances understanding of vehicle-related air pollution and its impacts, particularly in communities who are under-resourced and overburdened.
“I’m proud to announce the recipients of a $10M program to study & mitigate the effects of vehicle emissions in CA on public health & the environment. CA must use every tool in our toolbox to provide assistance to communities hit first & worst by pollution!” tweeted California Attorney General Rob Bonta in announcing the grant awards.
