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Comment 381 for Amendments to the Small Off-Road Engine Regulations: Transition to Zero Emissions (sore2021) - 45 Day.

First NameMary
Last NameAmes
Email Addressamesink@earthlink.net
Affiliation
SubjectIn support of transition to zero-emissions lawn care equipment
Comment
Dear Chair Randolph and Members of the Board, 
 
I am a California resident and I support the adoption of new Small
Off-Road Engine (SORE) regulations that will phase out the sale of
highly-polluting, gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn equipment in
California beginning in 2024.
 
The use of this equipment causes numerous health problems, and
contributes to California's poor air quality. Because our state
continues to fail to meet national air quality standards, we must
do everything in our power to reduce the use of fossil fuels -- in
engines large and small.  
 
CARB's own public health benefit analysis determined that, in
addition to saving billions on health insurance in the next two
decades, these regulations will: 
-- prevent 892 premature deaths,
-- reduce asthma-related emergency room visits by 438, and 
-- result in 311 fewer hospitalizations for respiratory and
cardiovascular issues.

It is important that these regulations be introduced and enforced
in a way that prevents small, proprietor-owned landscapers from
being put out of business. To that end, the California Legislature
has appropriated $30 million for your agency to distribute to small
proprietor landscapers to enable them to transition to new, zero
emission electric and manual equipment. This is in addition to
subsidies and buy-back programs already in effect under the
auspices of air districts throughout the state. You must see that
these subsidies and programs are effective and even handed so that
no small landscaping business is harmed by the regulations. 

The SORE regulations will improve air quality, improve human
health, save lives, and slow climate change.

I, therefore, urge you to approve and amend the SORE regulations in
accordance with the staff recommendation.

Thank you for your consideration of my comments.

Attachment
Original File Name
Date and Time Comment Was Submitted 2021-11-18 08:32:23

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


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