EM:/ RELEASE: Governor Granholm's Move to Clean Up State’s Dangerous Diesel Problem

Michigan Clean Water Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2009

Contact: Susan Harley, Policy Associate, 517-775-4254
              Ryan Bodanyu, Environmental Health Coordinator, 401-829-6192


  Governor’s New Executive Directive Moves Michigan Toward Cleaning Up
  State’s Dangerous Diesel Problem


      Now Congressman Schauer and Other Key U.S. Lawmakers Must Act


*
Lansing, MI* - While last week’s Climate Change Executive Directive 
(2009-4) signed by Governor Granholm paves the way for state government 
to reduce greenhouse gas emission, it also charts the course for 
substantial reductions in dangerous diesel pollution.

* “We laud Governor Granholm and the Michigan Climate Action Council for 
their leadership in reducing diesel pollution” said Susan Harley, Policy 
Associate for Clean Water Action who served on one of the MCAC’s 
technical workgroups.  “But now Congress must act to protect public 
health from diesel pollution as they debate the reauthorization of the 
federal transportation bill.”*

Pollution from diesel vehicles poses a serious health threat to 
communities since it is associated with lung cancer, asthma, heart 
attacks, stroke, premature death and other serious health problems. The 
black carbon soot in diesel exhaust is recognized as a potent global 
warming agent. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
(U.S.E.P.A.), diesel emissions contribute to an estimated 21,000 
premature deaths in the United States each year – more than drunk 
driving (17,000), HIV/AIDS (14,000) or firearm homicide (12,000).
*
“Congressman Schauer and others who serve on the U.S. House 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee can dramatically increase 
public health protections by funding modern diesel pollution controls 
like exhaust filters on federal transportation projects and requiring 
their use,” said Ryan Bodanyi, Environmental Health Coordinator for 
Clean Water Action. “It’s just common sense that projects meant to 
benefit the public should not harm public health.”*

The Clean Air Task Force estimates that at least 64 deaths occur due to 
diesel pollution within Congressman Schauer’s district each year. In 
addition, over 97 non-fatal heart attacks, 1,351 asthma attacks, and 
8,037 lost work days annually are caused by diesel pollution within 
Congressman Schauer’s district.

*“Clean diesel policies are also a win for our state’s economy” said 
Bodanyi.  “Estimates show that for every dollar spent on reducing diesel 
pollution, twelve dollars would be avoided in health care costs. 
Congressman Schauer has shown leadership on public health issues in the 
past and Clean Water Action members will be urging his continued 
leadership as this important decision is made.”*

Keybridge Associates estimates that a $1 billion investment in clean 
diesel technology would yield 19,000 jobs.  Michigan has three companies 
certified by the U.S.E.P.A. to manufacture diesel particulate filters 
capable of reducing diesel pollution by up to 90%.

Executive Directive 2009-4 was issued in response to the Michigan 
Climate Action Council’s (MCAC) recommendations contained in their final 
2009 report. MCAC represents a group of diverse stakeholders including 
leaders from manufacturing, automotive industries, utility companies, 
environmental groups, universities, and government.

# # #

Clean Water Action: empowering people to protect America’s waters, the 
health of our families, and to make democracy work.
http://www.cleanwateraction.org/mi





-- 

**
*                Nikki Motson*
*    Communications Coordinator*
*    205 1/2 North Main Street*
*        Ann Arbor, MI 48104*
*           734.222.6347 (Phone)
             517.455.8331 (Cell)
**           734.222.6473 (Fax)*
*   ***
*    www.cleanwateraction.org/mi**
        www.cleanwaterfund.org*

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