The Legislature finds and declares as follows:
(a)
The Mojave Desert region has serious air pollution problems caused by the transport of air pollution from upwind districts and by the operation of growing numbers of motor vehicles and numerous stationary sources, and atmospheric and meteorological conditions which are conducive to the formation of a variety of air pollutants.
(b)
To effectively control air pollution within the region pursuant to the requirements of state and federal law, it is necessary to establish an institutional structure which reflects the demographic and political makeup of the region.
(c)
To successfully achieve required improvements in air quality and the protection of existing levels of air quality within the region, there is a need for greater coordination between air quality management decisions and the land use and transportation decisions of local governments in the region.
(d)
To successfully develop and implement a comprehensive program for the attainment and maintenance of state and federal ambient air quality standards, local governments in the region must be delegated additional authority and responsibility from the state, particularly with respect to reducing motor vehicle emissions and expanding the use of cleaner burning alternative fuels.