Air Board Chief to Quit After Key Meeting

Gov. Pete Wilson’s chief air quality aide--who heads the state’s Air Resources Board--has resigned effective next month to accept an executive job representing private industry.

State officials had expected John Dunlap to leave his post before the end of the year, because Wilson’s term as governor ends in January. But Dunlap has timed his departure, expected Nov. 9, so he can still preside over the air board’s important Nov. 5 decision on whether car manufacturers must make further cuts in emissions from automobiles, especially sport utility vehicles.

Dunlap’s new job will be as chief executive officer at the California Restaurant Assn., a Sacramento-based trade group representing more than 11,000 restaurants and other food service businesses.

His decision to leave smog work surprises many insiders. Wilson appointed Dunlap chairman of the air board in late 1994, and he has worked in air quality management and other environmental arenas for at least 15 years. Dunlap’s role has been controversial, especially since the board under his leadership eliminated a rule that would have required 2% of automobiles sold in California to be electric beginning this year.

After resigning from the top post, Dunlap might stay on the board representing the governor while giving up the chairmanship and position on Wilson’s staff, said Dunlap’s spokesman Joe Irvin.

The restaurant group has been involved in local air quality issues because restaurants with charbroilers emit smog-forming gases. Under state law, however, Dunlap cannot lobby air quality agencies for one year.

“Clearly it’s a terrific opportunity for John, and he’s really excited about it and they’re excited about him,” Irvin said. “He wanted to try something new.”

The president of the restaurant group said Dunlap’s leadership skills in heading the state agency will be valuable in directing the association’s dealings with labor, government and the public.