Transportation policy has a profound impact on the health of all Californians. A majority of Californians breathe polluted air mostly caused by truck, bus and automobile exhaust. Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury for Californians. The lack of accommodation and facilities for walkers and cyclists in California's transportation networks create obstacles for those interesting in decreasing the growing epidemic of obesity throughout the state. Transportation programs and funding throughout California needs to begin to address these problems and establish both performance goals and funding measures to address these issues.

An air pollution issue that has also become an environmental justice issue is diesel. The Natural Resources Defense Council has been at the forefront of the "Dump Dirty Diesel" campaigns throughout the country and within California.

In 1996, the Surgeon General released a groundbreaking report on physical activity and exercise that many believe sets the stage for a national public health campaign as big as the anti-smoking initiative of the last three decades. Read this report.