Comment Log Display

On 6/25/20, I phoned in a public comment on agenda item 20-6-1. In
my comment, I discussed the role reducing VMT has in reducing
on-road motor vehicle emissions. I explained to the board that as
as high school student at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead
in the 1970's, I had the opportunity to meet and discuss emission
control issues with Dr. Haggen-Smit and other engineers from the
then new ARB testing lab near the El Monte Airport, located close
to Don Bosco Tech. I explained to the CARB board on 6/25 that Dr.
Haggen-Smit expressed the opinion that reducing VMT was perhaps the
best strategy to reduce air pollution.

After I gave my comments, Chairwoman Nichols commented on my
comments. Her comments provided an explanation why CARB applies
such little emphasis on reducing VMT as an emission control
strategy. Chairwoman Nichols stated she also knew Dr. Haggen-Smit
in the 70's, explained he was a brilliant scientist, and then
expressed her opinion that Dr. Haggen-Smit was wrong on his
position that reducing VMT was the best way to reduce motor vehicle
emissions. Chairwoman Nichols stated that Dr. Haggen-Smit's ideas
on reducing air pollution were focused on making the mountains
visible, with little concern for public health, and therefore
flawed.

There is now little wonder why CARB staff and the board place
little emphasize on reduction of VMT as an emission reduction
strategy. Chairwoman Nichols, one of the most influential persons
in the State of California, has used her power to intentionally
de-emphasize the role of VMT reduction. This has tainted the entire
State of California's effort and strategy to reduce pollutants from
on-road motor vehicles.