Bay Area Air District rule 9-6
Editor: We are writing to express strong support for the Bay Area Air District’s Rule 9-6. The phase-out of NOx-emitting water heaters across the entire Bay Area is a welcome demonstration of true commitment to the health and well-being of all residents of the Bay Area, especially the most vulnerable members of our diverse community, including our kids. And it will simultaneously benefit the climate, since NOx contributes to the formation of ozone, a powerful climate pollutant.
The health problems associated with NOX emissions have been well established, ranging from asthma and bronchitis to emphysema, heart attacks, and more. And these emissions simultaneously contribute to climate change. Moreover, NOx is an insidious killer because it neither smells nor can be seen. This invisibility makes it difficult for many people to grasp the danger.
Rule 9-6 shows that our elected officials, in their capacity as board members of the Air District, are doing their job to protect Bay Area residents from avoidable harm. Moreover, the proposed Rule amendments demonstrate that the Air District has taken feedback from residents to heart, and go a long way to address economic burden concerns. Over time, the benefits to taxpayers should far outstrip the costs by leading to fewer medical visits, fewer hospitalizations and lower overall health care costs that will free up personal spending and public spending for other vital priorities.
— Linda Brown and Celeste Mirassou, Napa
See full article:
Letters to the Editor, Wednesday, Aug. 12