Comment Log Display

Thank you for the opportunity to comment before you vote at the end
of the month on this issue. As you know, construction equipment is
the second largest source of diesel
pollution in the state, accounting for 20% of 
particulate matter(soot) and 16% of smog-forming Nitrogen Oxides
(NOx). Thesepollutants are two of the biggest pollution hazards
for publichealth in California and throughout the country.

-- Exposure to smog can have serious effects on 
respiratory
health. Inflammation and irritation of the respiratory 
tract can
cause shortness of breath, throat irritation, chest 
pains and
coughing, and lead to asthma attacks, hospital 
admissions and
emergency room visits.

-- Particulate air pollution or soot can be inhaled 
and reach
deep into the lungs. These tiny particulates can enter 
the
circulatory system and damage blood vessels. 
Particulate
pollution is associated with heart attacks, irregular 
heartbeat,
asthma attacks, reduced lung function and bronchitis.

-- These health impacts result in tens of thousands of 
premature
deaths in the U.S. from heart and lung disease 
annually, as well
as hospital admissions, emergency room visits, 
absences from
school or work, and restricted activities related to 
asthma
attacks. Children are especially vulnerable because 
their lungs
are still developing.

By supporting this new clean air legislation we can:

-- Prevent 4,000 premature deaths;

-- Result in health benefits and reduced health care 
and
hospital visits of $18 to $26 billion;

-- Help bring the most polluted areas of the state, 
the Los
Angeles/Long Beach air basin and the San Joaquin 
Valley, into
attainment with federal air quality standards; and

-- By 2020, prevent 48 tons per day of NOx and 5 tons 
per day of
particulate air pollution from entering our air.