I viewed the EJAC group presentation which highlighted concerns
regarding implementation of the CARB scoping plan. My outake was
that to reach the 2045 goal a lot more has to happen sooner and
there has to be more outreach to everyone in the state. I also
listened to about 3 hours of speakers who expressed a variety of
concerns about CARBs plan and the impact of air quality on their
lives. For me and the people I encounter is air pollution and
health.
As a nurse the most difficult experience is being with a patient
who is asphixating - unable to get oxygenation. The look on their
faces while gasping for air - whether from asthma, chronic
respiratory disease, lung cancer, COVID 19
(https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abd4049) or smoke
inhalation - is distressing and often the medical response can
provide some temporary relief but not solve the long term
suffering. This is why I believe the existential threat of climate
change and associated air pollution so negatively impactsful ono ur
health and quality of life - that is directly connected to
fossil fuels - must be addressed now with aggressive action
to sustainable alternative energy sources. Most Californians do not
understand the direct impact that fossil fuels have on their
health. More quantitative data about health needs to be conducted
and presented to the public.
It doesn't make sense to continue building new fossil fuel
infrastructure and the draft plam to increase gas-fired power
generations is going in the wrong direction. The science does not
support Carbon Capture as being "safe" as it risks water and soil
contamination as well as increased risks of earthquakes. It is time
to say no to subsidizing oil and petroleum companies who profit
from our increased health risks. Refineries and oil drilling needs
to be scaled back with mitgation in those communities where
drilling and refineries are located and who have had the worse
health impacts.
I heard the concerns of those fearing loss of jobs, agricultural
workers and lower income individuals who believed transitioning
building infratructure and transportation away from gas would leave
them out of the move towards electrification. It is necessary for
the state to aggressively move towards funding mandates so that
those most impacted by this transition can survive
economically.
Lastly based on what I heard from presenters CARB needs to
bring groups together partculary those in communities most
impacted but not represented and determine solutions driven by
their concerns that are equitable and just with rapid and
transparent implementation.
Thank you
Vanessa Forsythe MSN RN
Climate Health Now, CANEHJ