By: Ana Rios, New Mexico State Coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force
Date: May 9, 2023
About: Environmental Protection Agency Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0829
To: Environmental Protection Agency
Hi, my name is Ana Rios. I’m the New Mexico Field Organizer with Moms Clean Air Force and its Latino engagement program, EcoMadres. I am here on behalf of the nearly 20,000 fathers, mothers, caregivers, uncles, aunts, grandparents, and other members in the state, and to express my support for the strongest possible multipollutant emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles for model year 2027 and beyond.
My three children and I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the San Jose Neighborhood, which is one of the most polluted neighborhoods in the city. According to EPA, more than 45 million people in the US live within 300 feet of a major roadway or transportation facility. People of color are more likely to be exposed to traffic pollution. In my case, as a Latino family, we are overburdened by the exposure to pollution from the transportation sector, because my house is next to a heavy duty vehicle company, less than a mile from an interstate highway, and a couple of miles away from the two interstate highways that cross the city.
My children understand the importance of decision-making and how we should consider what is going to protect our environment and our health. As a strong believer of the benefits of clean energy and clean transportation, I made the decision for our family to install a photovoltaic system on our roof, and to replace our gas-powered vehicle with an electric one. In order to protect the health of my children, and the health of millions of people in the US, we must commit to a rapid transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Latino communities are disproportionately burdened by traffic pollution. Let's change that for our children's sake because everyone has the right to breathe clean air.
Parents in New Mexico want to see a rapid transition to zero-emissions vehicles. Once again, I am calling on EPA to finalize the strongest possible clean cars standards this year.
Thank you for your time!