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Comment 167 for Amendments to the Small Off-Road Engine Regulations: Transition to Zero Emissions (sore2021) - 45 Day.

First NameMelinda
Last NameCotton
Email Addressmbcotton@hotmail.com
Affiliation
SubjectSupport for California's transition to clean lawn care equipment
Comment
Dear Chair Randolph and Members of the Board, 
 
I live in Long Beach, California, in the crowded coastal
neighborhood of Belmont Shore.  Gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn
equipment are used almost daily by hired gardners (known
colloquilly as 'blow and mow' yard care workers)- and spread
dangerous fumes, dust, and noise onto our home and property and
throughout the neighborhood - causing health problems of many
types.

I support the adoption of new regulations that will phase out the
sale of highly-polluting gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn
equipment in California beginning in 2024.  This is an urgent need
for the health of Californians.
 
The use of gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers in particular
causes numerous health problems, and greatly contributes to
California's notoriously poor air quality. California continues to
fail to meet national air quality standards, which means that
millions of Californians like myself breathe unhealthy air
everyday.
 
CARB's public health benefit analysis determined that these new
regulations, if adopted, will result in: 

    $8.8 billion in health insurance benefits through 2043
    892 premature deaths avoided
    438 fewer emergency room visits for asthma 
    311 fewer hospitalizations for respiratory and cardiovascular
issues

The California Legislature also appropriated $30 million for your
agency to distribute to small proprietor landscapers to help them
begin to acquire and transition to new, zero emission electric and
manual equipment. This is in addition to subsidies and buy back
programs already led by air districts throughout the state.

This regulation will improve air quality, help to slow the climate
crisis, improve human health, and save lives.

Please approve and amend the SORE regulations per the staff
recommendation.

Thanks,
Melinda Cotton

Attachment
Original File Name
Date and Time Comment Was Submitted 2021-11-17 09:20:27

If you have any questions or comments please contact Clerk of the Board at (916) 322-5594.


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