ELECTRIC TRUCKS SAVE LIVES
Californians living in “diesel death zones” are calling for the electrification of the state’s polluting diesel truck fleet. The California Air Resources Board will vote on the nation’s first electric truck manufacturing standard, the Advanced Clean Truck standard, on Thursday June 26, 2020.
Warehouses and freight thoroughfares near the Burlington Northern Santa Fe area in San Bernardino expose community members to high rates of deadly, heavy-duty diesel pollution. More than 1,000 dirty diesel trucks an hour drive through some communities. Physicians have labeled these areas “diesel death zones” because asthma rates and cancer risks are so drastically elevated. Initial research suggests that diesel pollution makes these populations more vulnerable to lung diseases, including COVID-19.
This public awareness campaign, launched by Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice and the Union of Concerned Scientists, calls on leaders to address the systemic marginalization of communities of color that are disproportionately suffering from truck pollution by passing laws that move the state’s diesel truck fleet toward 100% electrification.
READ THEIR STORIES
Lorena rodarte
Lorena Rodarte moved to San Bernardino with her family over a decade ago in hopes of finding some much needed stability. Unfortunately, Rodarte’s life is far from secure, as doctors are now telling her to leave their neighborhood to avoid further health issues caused by diesel pollution.
“The doctor says to leave, but why should we have to?”
Karla Briceño
For Karla Briceño’s children, exposure to diesel emissions means struggling to breathe at recess or at PE. For her neighbors, it means increased hospital visits and premature deaths.
“We can’t wait 10 years from now to clean our air. The push for electric trucks needs to happen now.”
Genesis bueno
Genesis Bueno and her sister Sinai have been able to perform well as cross country runners, despite dealing with the everyday struggles of asthma. It’s in large part due to their endearing and diligent mother, Noemi, who has done everything—from working multiple side jobs to taking a leave of absence from work—to make sure her daughters receive adequate health care.
Despite these efforts, Noemi would prefer having a slower paced life.
“It’s not fair that we have to deal with this. We deserve to live normal lives too.”
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ART
