The following is a Jan. 3 news release from the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District Governing Board:
Antelope Valley AQMD Operations Manager Bret Banks welcomes Vern Lawson’s return to the governing board – courtesy AVAQMD
“Vern Lawson has served the community for a number of years, and we are all grateful to see his return to the board,” said AVAQMD Operations Manager Bret Banks. “We look forward to working with Mr. Lawson to continue our mission of improving the quality of life for Antelope Valley residents.”
The AVAQMD functions as a legislative entity that is empowered by the state and federal government to adopt rules and regulations regarding air pollutants, with the overall goal of providing a safe and healthy environment for Antelope Valley residents while promoting a prosperous economic climate.
Lawson, who has approximately 40 years of economic development experience in the Antelope Valley, was a founding member of the AVAQMD board and has served as a member since its inception in 1997.
He worked with the late State Senator Pete Knight to form the board in an effort to provide a business-friendly alternative to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, of which the Antelope Valley was previously a part. Lawson also served as Executive Director of the private Lancaster Economic Development Corporation for 17 years, prior to his current position as Economic Development Director for the City of Lancaster.
His recent successes in his current position include the attraction of BYD’s e-bus and energy storage system (large-scale battery) manufacturing facilities, as well as the attraction of Morton Manufacturing, which will bring 350 jobs to the Antelope Valley. Under his leadership, Lancaster has twice won the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s Most Business-Friendly City Award, the only city in the history of the program to do so.
“I have never met an individual who is more dedicated to serving the citizens and protecting the interests of the Antelope Valley,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Vern Lawson is a pillar of this community, and he has given 16 years of loyal service to the AVAQMD, in addition to decades of public service in other capacities.”
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The public is invited to attend the next AVAQMD meeting that will convene on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. at AVAQMD offices, 43301 Division Street, Suite 206 in Lancaster.
