Comment Log Display

December 9, 2008

Chairwoman Mary Nichols and Members of the Board
California Air Resources Board
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95812

RE: Proposed Statewide Truck and Bus Regulation

Dear Chairwoman Nichols and Board Members:

I am writing to urge you to adopt the Diesel Truck Rule because
these issues impact me directly. I live in the community of Pacoima
and have three children, one of which has been diagnosed with
asthma and another with bronchitis. This is very traumatizing for
me. As much as possible, I have to prohibit my children from
playing outside for more than 30 minutes, and I have to make sure
they spend the majority of their time inside.  This affects their
learning and development because they are not in contact with the
outside environment as much as I would like them to be. 

The majority of my neighbors have children with asthma, or other
respiratory illnesses. My community is surrounded by three major
freeways, landfills, industries, an airport that pollutes while
providing limited benefits, and commercial centers. These surround
schools and homes. For me, diesel trucks are like mobile
industries, as they leave the contamination wherever they go, and
thus, the importance of regulating these mobile sources. I am
concerned that long term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause
cancer. 

I demand change! 

Thank you, 
Marcela Herrera