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To the Members of the California Air Resources Board:

On May 24, you are scheduled to vote on a new rule to reduce air
pollution from California's construction equipment.  This is the
first rule of its kind in the nation and at such a critically
vital time.

Construction equipment is the second largest source of diesel
pollution in California, accounting for 20% of particulate matter
(soot) and 16% of smog-forming Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). These
pollutants are two of the biggest pollution hazards for public
health 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.  I am an adult who
has developed asthmatic symptoms over the past few years and has
suffered from bronchitis twice in the past two years.

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.

This new rule will prevent thousands of premature deaths related
to air pollution, 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.

I ask for your support of this new rule.

Thank you and sincerely,
Carol Savary