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Dear Chairman Nichols,

I am writing to express my strong support for smart growth and for
the proposed ambitious and achievable SB 375 regional targets that
will help spur local action to achieve healthier, more sustainable
communities across the state.
   
The proposed targets, especially for the largest regions in the
state, move California forward to a more sustainable future and
reflect what can be achieved if land use and transportation
planning are better integrated and matched with compact community
design. Californians can spend less time in traffic and more time
with their families if local governments move toward more compact,
mixed use communities with more transportation choices.

By pursuing smart growth community planning, Californians can
expect significant clean air and public health benefits. For
example, the American Lung Association in California recently
reported that smarter growth throughout California can help us
avoid 140 deaths annually and over $1.6 billion in health costs
from air pollution-related illnesses in 2035, the year the final
targets will be achieved.

Along with cutting harmful traffic emissions, reducing our
dependency on driving offers a wide range of public health
improvements. Building neighborhoods that support opportunities for
daily physical activity like walking and biking will help reduce
chronic illnesses like asthma, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and
depression.
 
Please continue your leadership and act to adopt the most ambitious
targets possible for each region.