Dear Adam Saul,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment in support of the Department of Ecology (Ecology) adopting Advanced Clean Clean Cars II (ACCII), the Heavy-Duty Omnibus Low NOx rule, and the fleet reporting requirement this year in Washington....↓
These rules are critical to reduce air pollution, improve public health, protect frontline communities, and increase access to the benefits of electricity as a transportation fuel. Over four million people in Washington live or work near transportation corridors that are exposed to harmful, high levels of diesel emissions, especially communities of color and low-income communities. Exposure to toxic tailpipe pollution such as NOx, Particulate Matter (PM), and Ozone is linked to higher rates of premature death, cancer, heart disease, and breathing problems like asthma in kids and adults.
On top of the climate benefits, adopting ACCII allows zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) to be more accessible and affordable for consumers and saves them money in fuel and maintenance with the typical cost of electricity for charging an EV equivalent to $1 per gallon of gasoline.
In addition to ACCII, the Heavy-Duty Omnibus Low NOx rule and the fleet reporting requirement together, will help Washington experience statewide health benefits and identify trucking operations that would provide the greatest relief in air pollution exposure to overburdened communities.
I am counting on Ecology to lead the transition into an all-electric future and by doing so, ensure an equitable and just transportation future for Washington!
I strongly support the proposed Clean Vehicles Program rule and thank Ecology for its hard work.
Sincerely,
Robert Marino, he/him | Director, Clean Energy and Infrastructure
Thurston Climate Action Team
(360) 350-6507
PO Box 13324 | Olympia, WA 98508
https://thurstonclimateaction.org
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