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Please strengthen state air standards and reduce air pollution from
construction equipment, by supporting the new "In-Use Off-Road
Diesel Vehicles" rule.

California air is dirty; and 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 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 can be inhaled deep into the lungs. 
These tiny particulates can then enter the circulatory system and
damage blood vessels.  Particulate pollution is associated with
heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, asthma attacks, reduced lung
function and bronchitis.  Health impacts such as these 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.

Thank you for considering my comments,

M. A.  McDonald