On March 18th, Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) voted, unanimously, to deny a petition that would have had the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) raise its standards on indirect sources of diesel pollution. An indirect source is a site with lots of small diesel polluters (such as construction sites, trucking distribution centers, and rail yards, for example) that add up to make a large aggregate source of pollution, which has a significant negative impact on human health.
While the EQC’s decision is a disappointment, Oregon PSR and over 20 community partners that co-petitioned to strengthen our state’s indirect source rules will continue to advocate for legislation that prioritizes human health.
Take action today by sending a letter to the editor of The Oregonian (or other local paper of your choice). Letters to The Oregonian should be no more than 250 words.
Here are some points to consider:
These rule changes are important because they can help save hundreds of Oregonians’ lives every year by addressing diesel pollution, a major contributor to cancer in the state. 90% of Oregonians are at an increased risk of cancer because of diesel. These rules have been created by the community to address the problem and industry is putting a lot of pressure on EQC to stop the progress.
According to the Oregon Environmental Council:
- Every year 400 Oregonians die prematurely due to diesel pollution-related health complications.
- Diesel exhaust is linked to lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis, and neurological disorders.
- Diesel pollution is one of the five most hazardous pollutants for children.
Thank you for taking action to protect the health of all Oregonians from diesel pollution.