Comment Log Display

The proposed rules changes for these vehicles are critical to the
protection of air quality in California.  It will set a nationwide
trend as well, and it comes at a critical time for our state's air
quality.

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.  We need to make
inroads on these numbers now.

Smog in California is getting worse, not better--too many
California cities are failing air quality tests, including my home
of Santa Barbara.  This has serious health consequences.  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.

The result is unacceptable, both in terms of health and costs.  We
are seeing 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 is so important because it will prevent 4,000
premature deaths; reduce medical costs related to smog by $18 to
$26 billion; help bring the most polluted areas of the state, the
Losb 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.

Given these facts, I strongly support the proposed rules change
imposing stricter rules for in-use off-road diesel vehicles.