By: Vanessa Lynch, Pennsylvania State Coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force
Date: May 3, 2023
About: Environmental Protection Agency Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0985
To: Environmental Protection Agency
Thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Vanessa Lynch, and I am a State Coordinator for Moms Clean Air Force in Pittsburgh, PA. I am testifying in support of the proposed standards and calling on EPA to finalize strong clean truck standards this year. Stronger transportation standards aimed at greenhouse gases are crucial in protecting the health of our children and communities, and it is urgent we act now.
Climate change is having large impacts across Pennsylvania and beyond. From increases in Lyme disease to flooding to extreme heat, families across the Commonwealth are dealing with climate impacts.
For my family, extreme heat is a serious cause for concern. My daughter is particularly susceptible to heat related difficulties—from rashes to heat exhaustion to sun poisoning to sunburned eyes—we have experienced it all. And to be clear, for those most susceptible, like my daughter, sun poisoning can occur in 55 degree weather with sunny skies like they did for us a few years ago. We had no idea this was even possible. Now consider how much more at risk she is in the extreme heat being caused by climate change. Today’s children will live through at least 3 times as many climate disasters as their grandparents if those in power are unable to act quickly and effectively on climate.
The Pennsylvania DEP reports our state has the highest number of cases of Lyme disease in the nation, triple the number from just 10 years ago—a trend we are seeing as a result of climate change due to warmer winters and longer summers that increases the tick population. Checking your body for ticks is a regular occurrence across our state and in my own home, reminding us daily of how easily this illness can be acquired.
Flooding in Pennsylvania is another serious climate change impact. Two years ago, my family was forced to install internal French drains in our basement to mitigate water in our home. Real concerns about damage to our home, mold growth and the costs of dealing with climate change have become an issue of concern.
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) are the second-largest greenhouse gas contributor, at 25 percent. This rule will have a direct impact on our climate and, in addition, will help reduce other tailpipe pollution that harms our health because it will help speed our transition to zero-emissions vehicles. The trucks covered by this rule will be on the road for decades, impacting air quality and climate for generations.
Every day families, like mine, are beginning to feel the impacts of climate change in our lives through health and home costs. For this reason, I am urging EPA to adopt the strongest possible greenhouse gas rules for heavy-duty trucks consistent with the Advanced Clean Trucks rules. Please protect our health and our future by finalizing these standards as soon as possible.