Comment Log Display

I write this commentary to strongly urge the postponement of this
regulation until more studies are conducted and evidence is
brought forth regarding the dire consequences of diesel emissions
– particularly that of particulate matter.

Although I would not consider myself an environmentalist, I do
find merit in the State’s efforts to curb pollution caused from
exhaust emissions.  A necessary evil, I agree that at some point
the line has to be drawn and we as a society need to be
accountable for our actions.  

However, I believe this effort proposed by the ARB is irrational
and is more or less a quick fix for a much larger problem. 
Furthermore, I’m confident that this quick fix will come at such a
cost to Californians that the economy will take a significant blow.
 Thousands of owner/operators will be forced out of or into reduced
business due to the astronomical costs associated with the
replacement or retrofit programs.  The dwindling prosperity of
Californian businesses will be further forced out of the State. 
Instead of thrusting these sparsely thought out regulations upon
us, there needs to be a contemplative solution that eases the loss
to the businesses as well as addressing much larger problems.

At the risk of sounding callous, it is my belief that the
thousands of deaths INDIRECTLY attributed to diesel particulate
matter are miniscule in scale to the effects of greenhouse gases
and their contribution toward global warming.  Global warming,
whether real or perceived, has compelling evidence that states the
climate is changing.  As such, I can say with relative certainty
that more stringent regulations are coming to combat this effect,
which in its nature could prove catastrophic.

My question is why are we causing grief to the backbone of our
State, when much larger problems loom?  Particulate matter, a
solid state material, can be compared to dust.  It is airborne as
it exits the combustion process, but soon falls to the ground -
albeit, it may still be toxic, but it is on the ground
nonetheless.  I would venture to say that Silica dust however,
causes more of a pollution problem as it is vastly more prevalent.
 

Again, I would urge the State to delay these regulations until
such a time when all of the pollution problems are addressed and a
compromise can be drawn that will not cripple the construction
industry – and ultimately the State’s infrastructure.  As it
stands now, we have forced our people to sacrifice their well
being for a solution that will inevitably need to be revamped in
order to address the global warming dilemma.