Comment submitted by Barbara Allaire

I am Barbara Allaire, and I live in the Newtonville, near Boston, and am very concerned about the harmful effects of pollutants on the health of people. I am aware that there is a proposal to delay the Tier 4 emissions standards for vehicles, and I am asking you to allow the Tier 4 standards to go into effect for 2027 models rather than delay them. I myself have lung disease--COPD--and have had multiple incidents of pneumonia and several hospitalizations with pneumonia. I have to use an oscillation machine twice a day to clear my lungs due to the damage from previous pollutants. Particulate matter pollutants that would be reduced by the Tier 4 standards will be allowed under the Tier 3 standards, and this leaves people like me, and my children and grandchildren who have respiratory problems, vulnerable to more disease. The cars that will be sold in the next couple of years under Tier 3 standards will be on the road for 15-20 years. That is a lot of time that higher pollution levels than necessary will be affecting people's health. What is the priority of our government? Is it the well being of our people or the profits of corporations that produce cars? They have had two years to get ready for the Tier 4 standards. I think the government should not give the corporations a pass when people's lives and health are at stake. Please ensure that the Tier 4 standards go into effect for the 2027 car models. Thank you.