As your constituent, I'm writing to urge you to co-sponsor and support the Diesel Emissions Accountability and Fleet Data Act (SB3980). Two-thirds of Illinois residents now live in areas that don't meet minimal federal air quality standards. With the federal EPA rolling back pollution protections from new vehicles and allowing more tailpipe pollution going forward, it will be even harder to provide the clean air we all deserve.

This legislation would help achieve Illinois clean air goals by working to make diesel trucks less polluting and by building a foundation for transitioning towards zero-emission trucks. It would modernize Illinois diesel truck emission testing program established a quarter century ago and set tighter pollution limits for newer trucks that should emit far less pollution than trucks made in the last century. It would incorporate the use of 'onboard diagnostics' (OBD) already on most large trucks, much as car emission testing is done. OBD ensures that all parts of a truck's emission control system is present and operating properly and tampering has not taken place. It would also expand testing to include medium-sized diesel trucks that deliver goods as well as tailpipe emissions throughout our communities.

The bill also establishes that all government trucks, and private fleets of more than 5 trucks, will report their location status every two years. This will foster proactive planning and prioritization of electric truck charging public investment needs to encourage zero-emission truck adoption and use to reduce diesel emission health impacts.

Thank you in advance for your work to ensure my health and the health of my community are protected.