| Comment | Construction equipment is the second largest source of diesel
pollution in the state, accounting for 20% of particulate matter
and 16% of NOx. These are two of the biggest pollution hazards for
public health in California and throughout the country.
These health impacts result in tens of thousands of premature
deaths in the U.S. from heart and lung disease annually, as well
as hospital admissions, emergency room visits, absences from
school or work, and restricted activities related to asthma
attacks. Children are especially vulnerable because their lungs
are still developing.
Enacting a new rule to strengthen state air standards and reduce
air pollution from construction equipment or "In-Use Off-Road
Diesel Vehicles" will greatly benefit public health in California.
It is estimated that this new rule will:
-- Prevent 4,000 premature deaths;
-- Result in health benefits and reduced health care and
hospital visits of $18 to $26 billion;
-- Help bring the most polluted areas of the state, the Los
Angeles/Long Beach air basin and the San Joaquin Valley, into
attainment with federal air quality standards; and
-- By 2020, prevent 48 tons per day of NOx and 5 tons per day of
particulate air pollution from entering our air.
Please vote in favor of this legislation. Thank you very much.
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