Air pollution associated with diesel trucks that serve New Jersey ports, warehouses and other aspects of our freight and goods movement industry has become a growing health concern. A recent study shows that at least 1 in 3 New Jersey residents live within a half mile of a warehouse. With over 70% of the people living closest to or downwind from these diesel hotspots being low income and BIPOC communities, studies demonstrate how these populations are chronically exposed to high levels of toxic diesel pollution compared to other groups.
Freight trucks make up 11% of on-road fleet , but are responsible for emitting 56% of the transportation sector’s nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 33% of its fine particulate matter (known as PM2.5). Air pollutants deriving from diesel-fueled freight vehicles have led to 340 deaths, nearly 3,000 cancer cases, 164 heart attacks, 3,921 asthma flareups and 110 asthma emergency room visits in the state in 2023 alone!
That's why Clean Water Action is advocating for the NJ warehouse and port pollution bill (A4679/S3546) which aims to curb pollution at warehouses, ports and other truck attracting facilities by requiring them to implement concrete emission reduction measures through an “indirect source review” program. Take action today by urging your NJ State Senator and Assemblyperson to advance ADVANCE A4679/S3546 immediately! The lives of frontline and overburdened communities impacted by truck pollution from our ports and warehouses cannot wait any longer.