Lung Health News, Fall 2007 / Winter 2008
Association Urges Early Action Global Warming Measures
The American Lung Association of California is urging the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to expand its list of early action measures to reduce global warming under AB 32, landmark legislation that sets a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. For example, early action measures should include diesel emission reductions from heavy-duty trucks and ports as well as emission reductions from cement manufacturing facilities. CARB has listed only three early action measures so far, including low-carbon fuel, hydrofluorocarbon emission reductions, and increased methane capture from landfills.
To better protect public health, the American Lung Association of California is calling on CARB to protect the process established under AB 32, which requires the air board to adopt regulatory measures before it looks at market mechanisms such as incentives or plans that would allow companies within the same industry to “trade” pollution credits.
Tobacco Tax is Key to Health Care Reform
Joining with other health advocates, the American Lung Association of California recently launched a campaign asking Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature to increase the state tobacco tax to help pay for healthcare reforms. An increase in the tobacco tax would generate new revenues to adequately fund the statewide tobacco control program and help save lives by reversing the recent rise in youth smoking. It would also provide funds to support health coverage for the more than 6 million people in this state without it. A recent poll showed that California voters overwhelmingly support increasing tobacco taxes to help pay for healthcare reform.
By itself, the tobacco tax is an insufficient revenue source for healthcare expansion because revenues decline over time due to declining rates of smoking. However, if included in a larger package of employer and provider fees, a tobacco tax could be an essential element to the overall financing strategy.
Diesel Emissions from Construction Equipment Targeted
Despite strong opposition from the construction industry, the American Lung Association of California successfully fought for new regulations on off-road diesel equipment, which will achieve a 75 percent reduction in health-damaging diesel soot from these engines by 2020. The regulation is desperately needed to protect public health because most construction equipment in use today has no pollution controls. Soot from construction equipment – the second largest source of particle pollution in the state – has been linked to thousands of premature deaths every year.
The association mobilized support for the regulation, including key health organizations and 25 health professionals who attended a May hearing of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in San Diego. Nearly 800 e-mails were sent by the association’s Action Network members urging the air board to pass this regulation.
Key Lung Health Bills to Watch
The following is a partial list of bills the American Lung Association of California is supporting this legislative session.
AB 118 (Nunez, D-Los Angeles) Alternative Fuels and Vehicle Technologies Would increase fees on motor vehicle licenses, registration and smog abatement as well as vessel registration to provide grants to develop cleaner technologies.
AB 233 (Jones, D-Sacramento) The Healthy Heart and Lungs Act Would require the California Air Resources Board to expand enforcement of diesel control regulations including additional staffing, public education and outreach efforts.
AB 1467 (DeSaulnier, D-Concord) Smoke-Free Workplaces Would remove exemptions in the state Smoke-Free Workplace Act that currently allow smoking in some bars, warehouses, hotel lobbies, employee break rooms, and other areas.
SB 7 (Oropeza,D-Long Beach) Smoking Restrictions in Vehicles Would prohibit smoking in motor vehicles in which minors 17 and under are present.
SB 458 (Torlakson,D-Antioch) Lung Cancer Would establish the Lung Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Research Fund at the University of California to support research efforts related to lung cancer early detection and treatment.
SB 974 (Lowenthal,D-Long Beach) Clean Ports Investment Would levy a fee on shipping containers processed at the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland to fund programs to reduce port-related air pollution.
