Comment Log Display

I urge the California Air Resources Board (ARB) at its May 24
meeting to approve the landmark rule to strengthen state air
standards and reduce air pollution from construction equipment,
known technically as "In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicles."

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). These
pollutants are two of the biggest pollution hazards for public
health in California and throughout the country.

In California alone, based on estimates from currently available
information, this new rule will annually:

-- 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.

For the sake of the citizens of our state, and especially for our
children and their children yet to come, please approve this
landmark rule.

Thank you for your attention to this great opportunity to help 
California once again lead the nation in such a vital action in
the common public interest.