May is Asthma Awareness Month, and we can think of no better way to mark the occasion than to celebrate recent decisions by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that will improve the air and help people breathe easier.
Late last week, CARB adopted two groundbreaking regulations that will significantly reduce pollution from freight transportation, which inequitably impacts low-income communities and communities of color where the asthma burden is high.
First, CARB adopted a locomotive regulation. Through zero emission requirements, idling limitations, and other measures, this regulation is expected to prevent 3,200 premature deaths, 2,600 hospital admissions and emergency room visits, with $32 billion in health benefits.
Second, CARB also adopted the Advanced Clean Fleet rule, which through zero emission usage and sales mandates will reduce pollution from a variety of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The benefits include preventing 2,526 premature deaths and 2,056 hospital admissions and emergency room visits, with $26 billion in health benefits.
CARB’s actions are a win for people with asthma and for communities that for too long have suffered the inequitable impacts of air pollution from the freight system. We applaud these regulations, as well as the tireless efforts by environmental justice and public health advocates to make them a reality.
Warm regards,
RAMP staff
