Advocacy Project: Letter to Elected Official

December 12, 2011

Senator Herb Kohl

U.S. Senate

330 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

VOTE YES ON S.1285 HYBRID AND ELECTRIC TRUCKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ACT

The bill you have sponsored will greatly impact not only the economical stimulant into the automotive industry that is needed, but will provide assistance in the fight to reduce air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. As a concerned citizen, I believe that not only my health, but of society as a whole should be concentrating on making healthy choices for future generations and us. This bill will ease the production of emissions caused by vehicles that are not fuel-efficient and promote the use of new hybrid and electric technologies.

In 1990, 54 million metric tons of emissions were emitted from mobile sources. These emissions are full of harmful chemicals that are detrimental to health. Over 74 million people are exposed to high levels of at least one of the pollutants found in emissions, which include carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and lead. All of these can have adverse health effects, and some other lower level pollutants from vehicles are known carcinogens, such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Opponents of this bill may say that we do not need excessive spending in the automotive market or that this bill has other motives regarding the industry. Even though it may have some benefits for them, the real benefits are felt by all of society by being able to live in a healthier and cleaner environment not having to worry about these dangers posed by air pollution and vehicle emissions.

I appreciate your continued support and sponsorship of this bill protecting us from the harmful effects of emissions.

Caleb Taplin