Why does it take so long for environmental changes to occur in California?

Question

Various ports in California have extremely bad air quality and the people who suffer are the residents within the vicinity of the ports. Still the entire state does nothing.

Answer 1

The state isn't going to go out it's way to change something that's making beaucoup profit. What are a few thousands of deaths compared to the billions of dollars in revenue that go to the state. It's really sad, but they don't have to deal with the horrible air quality, so they won't be on the frontline of change for it.