Comment Log Display

     I have attended several of the CARB hearings on how to deal
with the severe air pollution problems which the Central Valley
faces.  The reasoning presented for postponing our cleanup goals
until 2024 was that new technologies and as yet unspecified
measures could arise during that extended time frame.  The new
standards for controling diesel emissions seem just such an
opportunity.  I understand that there is some movement of late to
drop these newly desigated standards before they can even begin to
have any positive impact.

     I will not catalog all the health impacts that go with our
dismal air quality along the length of the Central Valley- those
seem well documented and pretty universally recognized.  Nor do I
need to cite statistics comparing the Valley communities to
metropolitan areas historically thought to be the centers of
compromised air.  And of course using any national figures or
standards for either air pollution measurement of subsequent health
impacts would be redundant at this stage in the discussion.  All of
this background was known when the diesel emission standards were
adopted.

What has changed other than the resolve to work toward breathable,
healthy air for our Valley.  Even the economics underscore the
wisdom of this investment- NOW.  It seems that given the political
climate in Washington D.C. the opprotunities for assistance from
the federal governement in tackling environmental and health
problems are ripe.  

I hope that you will stand firm in maintaining an aggressive
effort to clean our Central Valley air. Clearly this will
dramatically improve the quality of life for those of us aleady
living here  Also important for our fututre economic prognosis, it
will show  new businesses and professionals that this is indeed a
desirable place to locate- one in which their families and workers
will want to establish long term roots. 

Thank you for your efforts on our behalf.  Please continue to
advocate for us. 

Rod Webster,  Merced,  CA.