Council and faith coalition honor Gail Ruderman Feuer and Mark Gold for environmental work

The Los Angeles City Council on July 13 honored two environmental advocates — Gail Ruderman Feuer of the Natural Resources Defense Council and Mark Gold of Heal the Bay — at a presentation organized with the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life of Southern California.

Councilmember Ruth Galanter introduced the recognitions, and Lee Wallach of the coalition described the group’s interfaith environmental work. The council presented certificates to both honorees.

Gail Ruderman Feuer, identified in remarks as senior attorney in the Natural Resources Defense Council’s air quality program, was praised for litigation and campaigns that the presenter said helped secure stricter fleet and diesel rules by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Ruderman Feuer told the council the honor was meaningful and said the council has been a leader on diesel-exhaust issues.

Mark Gold, executive director of Heal the Bay, received recognition for his work on stormwater permits, state legislation and the organization’s beach report card. Gold said it was "a great honor" to be recognized alongside Ruderman Feuer and thanked the council and volunteers at Heal the Bay.

Context and specifics

- Gail Ruderman Feuer: Introduced as a longtime NRDC attorney who led litigation and campaigns on air quality, including litigation tied to the South Coast Air Quality Management District and advocacy on diesel pollution rules. The presenter referenced a multi-year legal matter requiring AQMD actions to reduce smog.

- Mark Gold: Identified as executive director of Heal the Bay since 1994 and credited with negotiation on stormwater permits and contributions to research and public reporting on bay conditions.

The coalition’s representatives and the council framed the awards as recognition of sustained local and regional environmental work.