By: Jennifer Cantley, Nevada State Coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force
Date: May 10, 2023
About: Environmental Protection Agency Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0829
To: Environmental Protection Agency
My name is Jennifer Cantley, and I am a Nevada State Coordinator for Moms Clean Air Force. I want to discuss the pressing need to address the impact of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful tailpipe pollutants from vehicles. As a mother of three boys with asthma and someone who has experienced long COVID and COPD, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of air pollution on our health. It is crucial that we take action to protect the health and future of our children and communities.
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, accounting for 27 percent of all emissions. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing climate change hurts all of us and the burning of fossil fuels, including gasoline used in vehicles, is the primary source of carbon dioxide emissions.
In Nevada, we are already seeing the effects of climate change, from more extreme heat to worsening wildfire seasons. It is essential that we take action to address this issue by transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and decreasing the use of gas and diesel vehicles. We can and must combat climate change and improve air quality.
In Nevada, passenger cars and trucks are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the state's overall carbon footprint. According to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, transportation accounts for approximately 37% of the state's total greenhouse gas emissions, with passenger cars and trucks being the largest contributor. In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, these vehicles also contribute to air pollution and poor air quality, which can have negative impacts on public health. Among other health impacts, they exacerbate respiratory illnesses, like asthma and the COPD I live with every day. Efforts to transition to zero-emission vehicles are crucial in reducing the environmental impact of transportation in Nevada.
In conclusion, we must not ignore the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of tailpipe pollution from vehicles to address the impact of climate change. By embracing stronger standards that will speed our transition to zero-emission vehicles, we can protect the health and future of our communities and our planet. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.