LWVCT URGES SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION TO REDUCE DIRTY DIESEL EMISSIONS Feb2007
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SUBJECT: LWVCT URGES SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION TO REDUCE DIRTY DIESEL EMISSIONS
The League of Women Voters of Connecticut supports measures to promote an environment that is beneficial to life and promotes the reduction of vehicular pollution (including inspection and maintenance of emission controls, changes in engine design and fuel types and development of more efficient transportation systems).
Diesel pollution which includes fine particulates, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides has serious effects on the health of Connecticut residents -- particularly the elderly and children living in densely populated areas. The latest results of the Women’s Health Initiative (New England Journal of Medicine, February 1, 2007) found that fine particulates significantly increases the risk of heart attack in women. Exposure to diesel pollution has a devastating impact on other susceptible groups with cardiovascular disease, asthma and other respiratory diseases. In addition, it is a global warming pollutant.
The League encourages your support for diesel legislation that will immediately reduce pollution from school buses so that all Connecticut school children are adequately protected. This would include installing equipment to keep pollution out of the passenger compartment as well as tailpipe emission control retrofits. In addition, transit buses and state construction equipment should have an enforceable strategy for reducing all diesel pollution. A Diesel Clean-Up Fund to help owners retrofit or replace dirtier engines is also needed.
The League was disappointed that a bill that incorporated these suggestions was not voted on by the General Assembly last year. We are hopeful that it will come to a vote this year and we urge your strong support for a bill that will significantly reduce this major air pollutant and contributor to health problems for Connecticut residents.
Naomi Schiff Myers Air Quality Specialist League of Women Voters of Connecticut
Contact Information: 15 Palmer Lane, Riverside CT 06878, (203) 637-3892
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