Sometimes it takes a mom to point out the obvious:
CLEAN is better than DIRTY
That’s especially true when it comes to the dirty emissions from cars and fuel that affect our children’s lungs each and every day. We’re very glad that the EPA has proposed a new Tier 3 program. Not the most memorable name for such an important rule. But Tier 3 will set new vehicle emissions standards and lower the sulfur content of gasoline.
DIRTY: Cars and trucks are the second largest emitters of oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in the U.S. These are among the pollutants that form ozone.
CLEAN: Tier 3 slashes ozone precursors by a whopping 80%.
DIRTY: Soot—particulate matter—is one of the most dangerous types of pollution. Soot triggers asthma attacks, bronchitis, heart attacks, and other types of lung disease.
CLEAN: Soot will be 70% more tightly regulated
Bottom line: Cars and trucks will be cleaner and more efficient—at a cost of a penny a gallon.
Parents — who spend more than enough time idling in traffic — welcome these rules. And so do the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Association of Global Automakers and the United Auto Workers. Our most important health groups also support this rule — because they know that it costs far more to care for sick Americans than to clean our air.
CLEAN versus DIRTY? Seems like a no-brainer. But do not assume that everyone in Congress gets it. Make sure EPA hears your voice, loud and clear. The comment period is open until July 1. Your support matters. Make sure you let EPA know we want to clean up.
Doesn’t it feel good to be able to do something about air pollution?