Comment Log Display

Dear Air Resource Board:

I received notice from Environmental Defense that we have a
historic opportunity to cut a major source of
dangerous air pollution in California.  

I learned that The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is
scheduled to vote later this month on a landmark rule to
strengthen state air standards and reduce air pollution from
construction equipment, known technically as "In-Use Off-Road
Diesel Vehicles."

California needs cleaner air. Please support this proposed rule. 

On May 24, the ARB is 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 it could
not come at a better time.

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.

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.

This new rule will:

-- 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.

As the Lay Promoter of Justice, Peace and Care of Creation of the
Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Western Dominican
Province of the Order of Preachers), I urge you to support
stronger air standards for California's construction equipment: