First Name | Mary |
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Last Name | Ames |
Email Address | amesink@earthlink.net |
Affiliation | |
Subject | In 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. |
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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.