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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Michelle Meyer, Researcher at International Council on Clean Transportation
3:13:08
·
112 sec
Michelle Meyer, a researcher from the International Council on Clean Transportation, testified on the importance of addressing air quality and public health impacts of truck emissions through policies like indirect source rules. She emphasized the harmful effects of diesel truck emissions, particularly in urban areas and communities with large minority populations.
- Recent research shows NO2 levels are nearly 20% higher near warehouses, which are often located in or near minority communities.
- New studies have directly linked NO2 exposure to premature death, which may increase estimates of traffic-related health impacts.
- Transitioning to cleaner and zero-emission trucks, facilitated by policies like indirect source rules, could significantly improve air quality and public health, especially in communities of color.
Michelle Meyer
3:13:08
Hello.
3:13:09
My name is Michelle Meyer and I'm a researcher with the International Council on Clean Transportation, an independent nonprofit organization that provides technical analysis to environmental regulators.
3:13:19
I'm testifying today to highlight the opportunity to address air quality and public health impacts of truck emissions through concrete policy actions such as an indirect source rule.
3:13:30
Diesel trucks are the main group of vehicles that operate out of warehouses and they met harmful pollutants such as NOx, which cause respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
3:13:39
And ICCT's research shows that even relatively newer diesel trucks emit high levels of NOx often above the EPS engine certification limit levels.
3:13:49
This is particularly true at low speed urban driving conditions, which are typical in neighborhoods where last mile trucks operate in the city.
3:13:58
Recent research has quantified the impact of air pollution from warehouse trucks operating in The US.
3:14:03
A 2024 study led led by Gage Kerr of the Milken Institute, which I was supported on, used satellite data of NO2 measurements and found that NO2 levels are nearly 20% higher near warehouses, which are more likely to be in or near communities with large share of racial ethnic minority residents.
3:14:22
We see growing evidence of the harmful effects of NO2 exposure on these residents.
3:14:27
New research has directly connected NO2 exposure and premature death.
3:14:32
The ICCT is working to update our modeling methods to include this cause and effect, which we anticipate will increase our estimates of the traffic related health impacts.
3:14:42
City level policies are important in addressing the environmental justice issue of air pollution.
3:14:47
Transitioning to cleaner and zero emission trucks measurably improves air quality, and an indirect source rule could be an effective way to reduce the health burden on communities of color that are exposed to the highest levels of harmful air pollution and improve overall public health.
3:15:00
Thank you.