Resolution in Support of Amendments to the Clean Construction Ordinance

[Commission on the Environment Resolution in Support of Amendments to the Clean Construction Ordinance]

Resolution urging the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor to adopt updates to the Clean Construction Ordinance which adopts a clean construction diesel-emissions minimization plan and monitoring requirements for public projects at construction sites within Air Pollution Exposure Zones in San Francisco.

WHEREAS,  Scientific studies have found an association between exposure to particulate matter and significant human health problems, including aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease; and

WHEREAS,  Heart disease and stroke are the first and fourth leading causes of death in the U.S. respectively, air pollution affects heart health and can trigger heart attacks and strokes that cause disability and death, and one-in-three Americans has heart or blood vessel disease and is at higher risk from air pollution; and

WHEREAS,  Persons living in close proximity to air pollution sources, such as freeways or busy roadways, have poorer lung functions and are more susceptible to develop asthma and other respiratory problems, compared with persons living at a greater distance from sources; and

WHEREAS, Proximity to sources of air pollution increases exposure and proximity to sources is established to be more common for the poor and for certain ethnic minorities; and

WHEREAS,  Health vulnerability varies among neighborhoods and populations within San Francisco, as measured by population health records of air pollution-associated hospital discharges, emergency room visits and non-accident mortality; and

WHEREAS,  According to the California Air Resources Board, off-road equipment, which includes construction equipment, is the sixth largest source of diesel particulate matter emissions in California; and

WHEREAS,  Construction activities, which are variable, can result in temporary diesel exhaust emissions from construction equipment at construction sites, and are a nuisance and public health risk; now, therefore, be it,

RESOLVED, That the Commission on the Environment urges the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor to adopt updates to the Clean Construction Ordinance which adopts a clean construction diesel-emissions minimization plan and monitoring requirements for public projects at construction sites within Air Pollution Exposure Zones in San Francisco.

I hereby certify that this Resolution was adopted at the Commission on the Environment’s Meeting on May 27, 2014.

Monica Fish, Commission Secretary

VOTE:      5-0 Approved; 2 Absent

AYES:      Commissioners Arce, Josefowitz, Stephenson, Wald and Wan

NOES:     None

ABSENT:  Commissioners Gravanis and King