GASP and those heavy-duty diesel vehicles that are on idle

GASP has been working with the Allegheny County Health Department to develop anti-idling regulations for heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The school bus idling regulation GASP pushed for is now an enforceable law, so now we must push forward to prohibit the needless idling of other heavy duty diesel vehicles, including delivery trucks, garbage trucks, tractor trailer trucks, PAT buses, and tour buses.

Diesel exhaust consists of the black smoke that we see and also particulate matter(PM), invisible specks of solid or liquid matter, including dust, ash and soot. Particulate matter, especially with particles of 2.5 microns or smaller, has been linked to such health problems as asthma attacks, coughing and difficulty in breathing, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung capacity, lowered resistance to infection, and premature death. Children, the elderly and people with existing respiratory ailments are especially sensitive to particulate matter.

Please review the proposed regulation and sign up to speak at the public hearing Feb. 14. If you can't attend, please send in comments to help make the regulation even stronger or just to voice your support for the regulation. If needless diesel or gasoline powered vehicle idling is of concern to you, GASP can use your help.

To learn more or become involved in anti-idling efforts, send a message to gasp@gasp-pgh.org

WHAT: Notice of Public Hearing for proposed amendments to Allegheny County Health Department Rules and Regulations, Article XXI, Air Pollution Control. To add section 2105.92 "Diesel Powered Motor Vehicle Idling." The proposed addition is to prevent unnecessary idling by heavy-duty diesel powered motor vehicles.

WHEN: Monday, February 14th, 2005 at 10 am

WHERE: Building #7, First Floor Conference Room, Clack Health Center, 301 39th St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Copies of the proposed amendment may be examined beginning January 14, 2005, at the Allegheny County Law Library, Room 921 City-County Building, Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; at the Allegheny County Health Department Library, Building 7, Clack Health Center, from 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM Monday thru Friday; on the Allegheny County Health Department web site: www.achd.net; or by calling 412-578-8120 to request a mailed printed copy. It can also be viewed at GASP's website
http://www.gasp-pgh.org/action/dieselreg.pdf

Oral testimony must be pre-scheduled by calling 412-578-8008 no less than 24 hours in advance of the public hearing. Speakers will be limited to five minutes and should bring a written copy of their comments.

The Board will accept written testimony beginning Friday, January 14, 2005, and concluding Monday February 14, 2005, by mail to:

Board of Health
3333 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

By email to BOH@achd.net

By Fax to 412-578-8325