Cal. Public Resources Code § 5096.303

The Legislature further finds and declares all of the following: (a) Air pollution continues to be a major problem in California which harms the health of our residents, costs our economy billions of dollars related to health care costs, reduced agricultural productivity, and damage to our infrastructure, and otherwise decreases the quality of life in our state. (b) Forests and trees improve air quality by removing carbon dioxide, particulates, and other pollutants from the air, and by producing oxygen. (c) Park, open-space, and tree planting projects also improve air quality and decrease congestion by reducing sprawl, improving the quality of life in areas that are already developed by helping local agencies implement sound land use plans that promote energy efficiency, and by providing incentives to reduce development in inappropriate areas.