We can have cleaner air, healthier lives with new standards for vehicle emissions

Breathing clean air is a growing challenge in Illinois. Hundreds of thousands of trucks and cars spew dangerous tailpipe pollution daily, leading to 13 out of 23 counties that report data receiving failing or near-failing air quality grades from the American Lung Association.

I’ve lived my entire life with a chronic lung condition that has influenced every aspect of my existence. Since moving to Chicago in 2016, my respiratory infections increased in frequency and duration, contributing to a significant decline in my quality of life and estimated life expectancy.

Last year, I received a double lung transplant, a life-changing procedure that deepened my understanding of the vital importance of clean air and strengthened my commitment to advocating for it.

I am one of the lucky ones. Over 100,000 people die each year in the U.S. from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly known as COPD, one of multiple respiratory conditions among the leading causes of death in Illinois.

These preventable diseases can be avoided by adopting the Advanced Clean Trucks and Advanced Clean Cars II standards that would improve our air quality and protect the health of countless residents.

Tailpipe pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) contribute to respiratory illnesses, heart conditions and premature deaths. They pose greater risks to children, the elderly and people with lung conditions. Low-income communities and communities of color, often situated near highways and warehouses due to historic redlining, face disproportionate exposure to these pollutants.

On bad air days, I wear a mask and limit my time outdoors to protect my new lungs. But these measures are often not enough. On high pollution days, outdoor air can infiltrate indoors, resulting in higher pollution concentrations inside. Diesel exhaust from trucks and buses worsens smog, accelerates climate change and creates barriers to health and well-being. Millions of Illinois residents endure this reality, a life no one should have to live.

Lowering emissions, boosting the economy

The statistics are stark. In Illinois, diesel emissions are projected to contribute to over 5,000 asthma attacks, nearly 200 heart attacks and 416 premature deaths annually.

The Advanced Clean Trucks and Advanced Clean Cars II standards would set targets for manufacturers to deliver more zero-emission vehicles, significantly reducing this deadly pollution.

A statewide shift to zero-emission vehicles, coupled with renewable energy, could prevent 5,410 premature deaths, 138,000 asthma attacks and 670,000 lost workdays by 2050, according to the American Lung Association’s “Zeroing in on Healthy Air” report.

Clean vehicle standards are also an economic win for Illinois. Companies like Rivian and Lion Electric are building the electric vehicle future in Normal and Joliet, creating jobs and boosting local economies.

The Advanced Clean Trucks and Advanced Clean Cars II standards would accelerate this growth, supporting over 18,000 new jobs by 2030 and generating $168.8 billion in economic benefits by 2040.

For drivers, electric vehicles also save drivers money. With state and federal incentives, they’re more affordable than ever, and the average Illinois driver could save $10,000 over the lifetime of an electric vehicle compared to a gas-powered car.

But beyond the numbers, this is about justice. Communities most affected by pollution deserve cleaner air. Having faced lifelong lung challenges and undergone a transplant, I know how vital clean air is — it means fewer hospital visits, fewer missed workdays and more opportunities to enjoy life.

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Pollution Control Board have the power to make this vision a reality. Eleven states have adopted Advanced Clean Trucks, and 13 have implemented Advanced Clean Cars II. By following their lead, Illinois can prioritize public health, economic growth and our climate goals.

Lung health is shaped by the air where we live, work and play. We can prevent respiratory diseases, avoid costly procedures like my transplant, create well-paying jobs and improve communities. Illinois has the tools, technology and opportunity to lead. Now we need the will to act.

Alex W. Peimer is a lung transplant recipient and volunteer with the Respiratory Health Association.

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