ACTION ALERT: Support SB1032, AA Reducing Diesel Emissions In School Bus Cabins. – HELP TO REDUCE DIRTY DIESEL EMISSIONS
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ACTION ALERT: Support SB1032, AA Reducing Diesel Emissions In School Bus Cabins. – HELP TO REDUCE DIRTY DIESEL EMISSIONS
Exposure to diesel particulate matter is a serious health threat for Connecticut citizens because it increases the incidence of asthma, hear attacks and cancer. 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. The LWVCT sent an email to all legislators and a letter to Governor Rell urging them to support legislation to reduce dirty diesel emissions which cause major health problems as well as global warming (see letter below).
A bill will be heard in the Environment Committee on 2/9 that we will be supporting: SB1032, AA Reducing Diesel Emissions In School Bus Cabins. SB1032 and requisite funding will 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. Please consider calling or writing a short email or letter to each of your legislators asking them to help fully implement and fund a comprehensive diesel clean-up law in 2007. For additional information see http://www.cfenv.org and look under Air.
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. 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
02-08-2007 |
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