Comment Log Display

Dr. Robert Sawyer and Board Members:

Please support the proposed regulations to cut diesel emissions
from construction and other off-road equipment in California. 
Construction equipment is the second largest source of particulate
matter in the state, contributing 20% of the state’s diesel
emissions, and this rule will reduce diesel from off-road
construction equipment by 75%.  

This regulation will save lives and prevent lung disease,
preventing 4,000 premature deaths between today and 2025, 840,000
hospitalizations due to respiratory causes, 1,600 hospitalizations
due to cardiovascular causes, 110,000 cases of asthma-related
symptoms, and 9,200 cases of acute bronchitis.  These health costs
add up to 18-26 billion dollars, more than five times the cost of
putting the regulation in place.  

The regulation requires owners and operators of diesel off-road
equipment to install retrofit technology and accelerate turnover
of the fleet to cleaner engines.  This regulation has been done
carefully over three years to be cost-effective, flexible, and
fair.  Requirements for smaller fleets are phased in over a long
period of time, and there is choice between upgrading the fleet to
meet average emission rate targets or to upgrade to best available
control technology.  

The regulation, costing $3 – 3.4 billion over its 13 year
implementation, will cost annually less than a third of a percent
of the construction revenue generated in California in 2005.  This
needed pollution standard is certainly worth the health of so many
Californians.  

Sincerely,
 
Andy Katz
Director of Air Quality Advocacy
Breathe California, Golden Gate Public Health Partnership