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AAA State and Local Activities
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Activists have long maintained that if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Through consumer education, programs, action plans and lobbying efforts, AAA's century-long record on environmental advocacy is unquestionably part of the solution.
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For example, in 1919, alarmed by rapid destruction of the state's giant redwood trees at the hands of commercial loggers, AAA's California State Automobile Association launched a multiyear publicity and lobbying campaign. Working with the Save the Redwoods League, CSAA continued promoting awareness and, in 1927, a bill creating a state park system that protected redwoods became law.
Often, the most heartfelt activism begins in our own backyards. Recognizing this, AAA clubs across the country have launched grassroots efforts that practice and promote conservation. Recent examples include: |
AAA Washington works with the state's Department of Ecology to assist with programs that help minimize the impact of automobile emissions, and the club's fleet services operations were named a county "EnviroStar" business in recognition of environment-friendly practices.
Since 1991, the California State Automobile Association and Bay Area Air Quality Management District have co-sponsored a "Spare the Air" campaign designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. CSAA also sponsors the "AAA Outdoor Corps," a group of employee volunteers who clean beaches, clear park trails and plant trees in wetlands.
AAA Michigan sponsors "Detroit Clean Sweep," an ongoing program through which club employees help promote a cleaner environment through volunteer activities such as collecting litter. In addition, the club's Freeway Courtesy Patrol vans cruise local roadways to assist motorists and help reduce congestion.
AAA Mid-Atlantic was lead sponsor of a U.S. Department of Transportation "Livable Communities" workshop in Philadelphia that brought together bicycle, pedestrian, transit and safety groups regarding safe and efficient travel.
AAA Oregon/Idaho is closely associated with "Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism" and provides TripTik-style guides for annual beach clean-ups and habitat mitigation projects.
AAA Lancaster County earned an Outstanding Partner Award from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for its Ozone Action Program. The club also belongs to an advisory committee that promotes multiple modes of transportation systems that conform to federal air quality standards.
The Auto Club of Southern California helped establish the Southern California Rideshare program. The club has supported dozens of transit projects that provide an appropriate benefit for their expense, including commuter transit services in the Inland Empire.
AAA clubs continue to increase public awareness of the need to properly recycle car batteries. Each year more than 7 million batteries are disposed of improperly. Environmental threats can easily be removed by adhering to AAA's disposal guidelines, available at many club offices. During AAA's Great Battery Roundup in 2002, more than 11,000 old batteries were collected and sent for recycling, with proceeds benefiting various environmental groups.
AAA Blue Grass Kentucky received an award from the Lexington, Ky., Environmental Commission for its efforts to collect used batteries.
Need More Information?
To find out more about AAA's environmental positions and activities, contact your local AAA club for a copy of AAA and the Environment and other related materials.
Read more about AAA programs: Battery Recycling, National Car Care Month and Promoting Ecotourism.
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