Dr. William A. Burke ends remarkable career as Chairman of South Coast AQMD Governing Board
By Danny J. Bakewell, Jr. Executive Editor
Published May 13, 2021
He leaves with a legacy of cleaner air, achievements for environmental justice and historical inclusionary votes for All.
Dr. William Burke (Courtesy image)
Dr. William A. Burke finished his final Governing Board meeting at South Coast Air Quality Management (South Coast AQMD), making history yet again. On May 7, South Coast AQMD’s Governing Board approved the Warehouse Indirect Source Rule, a first-of-its-kind regulation aimed to curb emissions associated with the booming warehouse industry. The rule would reduce pollution in communities near these warehouses, particularly communities of color. Dr. Burke retired after 27 years of service, including an unprecedented 23 years as chair. The Diamond Bar headquarters’ auditorium was newly named after Dr. Burke for his lifelong dedication and service as a leader and environmental justice (EJ) trailblazer.