To: Rep. McKell, M.,
Subject: Inexpensive water heater update will have MAJOR impact on air quality- please support the low NOx rule proposed by the air quality board!!
Date: 2015-11-16T17:06:50Z
Body:
PLEASE ACT NOW TO SUPPORT THE AIRSHED FOR YEARS TO COME -- The Low NOx Water Heater Rule, passed recently by the Air Quality Board should be approved because a small up front investment ($10) can offset a major amount of pollution for the lifetime of a water heater. I am raising 4 children in Salt Lake City, and two of them have asthma problems. This is a huge issue for my family. This policy is a win-win for Utah's families and businesses! It is low cost, easy to implement, and an incredibly effective way to positively impact NOx emissions. Here are the facts: 1. NOx is a dangerous pollutant that has serious public health implications: - NOx is a key contributor to both our wintertime small particulate pollution problem (PM 2.5) and to our summer ozone problem, according to the DAQ. - According to the EPA, "NOx exposure concentrations are of particular concern for susceptible individuals, including people with asthma asthmatics, children, and the elderly." 2. Switching to low NOx water heaters will have a significant impact on emissions reductions: - According to the DAQ, the new low NOx water heater rule is projected to reduce area-source emissions of NOx by 35 percent by 2024. That's a huge cut! - Also according to the DAQ, making the switch to low NOx water heaters would reduce statewide emissions by 2,700 tons annually. This is the equivalent of removing the refineries. 3. Low NOx water heaters are only $10 more expensive than other water heater models: - In a survey conducted by the DAQ, out of 100 water heater models surveyed, 36 met the ultra low requirements. The average difference in price for these models was only $10. I urge you to lend your support this important and effective clean air rule. Thanks for supporting very rational, effective, and meaningful legislation to improve air quality!!! Matthew Griffee 3883 E Evelyn Dr Salt Lake City, UT 84124