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As a Professor of Zoology and Environmental Science, and a resident
of the Los Angeles Basin, I am very familiar with our air pollution
problems.  Construction equipment is the second largest source of
diesel pollution in the state, accounting for 20% of particulate
matter and 16% of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). These
pollutants are two of the biggest pollution hazards for public
health in California and throughout the country.

Health impacts from this pollution 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.

It is estimated that this new rule to limit emissions from
diesel-burning construction equipment will prevent 4,000 premature
deaths, result in health benefits and reduced health care and
hospital visits of $18 to $26 billion, and 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.

Please vote to implement this new new rule on construction
equipment emissions and let all of us breath a little easier! 
Thank you for your attention to my comments.