Construction is responsible for a whopping 40% of all mobile diesel emissions in the Northeast. It's time that our policies reflect government concern for the health of the workers and the public in and around those construction sites, particularly when they are located in dense urban areas - the Diesel Emission Reduction Act does just that.

The worst effects of diesel pollution are felt in densely populated urban areas, such as Providence County, which is ranked in the worst 6% of all US counties for health risks from diesel pollution. Each year Rhode Islanders suffer 50 premature deaths, 80 heart attacks and more than 900 asthma attacks (that's 3 per day) from their exposure to diesel pollution. This cannot continue. There is a better way of doing business and it's right around the corner.

We sat down with representatives from the construction industry, labor unions, the Teamsters, the American Lung Association, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Management to create a bill that addressed industry concerns and the goal of cleaner air for all. Clean construction is the way of the future - we know it and they know it too. By dedicating a small percentage, up to 1%, of each project budget for emission control technologies, we found a cost-effective solution.

The amended bill, crafted with input from the affected parties, is being heard today in the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture today.

Take Action

Tell your government clean green construction is the way of the future and we want it now. Move the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act out of Committee today!