Driving down a residential side street on the way to the office in Bound Brook last week, an 18-wheeler truck was trying to turn onto the street, which was far too narrow. Even backing up half the block with cars honking, the truck did not have enough space. On top of that, it was spewing diesel fumes choking everything and everyone in sight. Now the White House wants to soften the rules for trucks emitting nitrogen oxides.
Although heavy duty trucks account for only 13 percent of vehicles on the road, they make up almost 60 percent of the stinking nitrogen oxides which force you to hold your breath. The whole point of the new rule proposed by the EPA, which is supposed to protect the environment, not destroy it, is to keep trucks running on fossil fuels.
This, of course, makes sense as the war on Iran is driving up diesel prices, not to mention our own gas prices, now that the so-called Memorandum of Understanding is “dead,” according to the White House. Our continued dependence on fossil fuels, which oil companies just love since they are the ones profiting, makes no sense – except in the contributions (read bribes) Big Oil made to the White House’s current occupant.
Prayer for the Day
Your breath brought the heavens and worlds into being,
And shaped creation into your image upon the earth;
Re-form us as you formed us in our mothers’ wombs
So that our flesh and spirit may care for the earth we inhabit.
May we be grateful for all your blessings bestowed upon us
And protect the world you gave us to enjoy.
In the name of the One who walked among the lilies,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
The E.P.A. is continuing to act against its own mission to protect public health and the environment. It’s another slap in the face to communities that are already overburdened.
Isella Ramirez, Moving Forward Network, Commerce, CA, a truck hub
Criminal enforcement is a critically important tool for really sending an important message of accountability, and what our community standards should be for protecting public health and the environment,
Vanessa Waldref, former US Attorney on DOJ decision not to prosecute polluters
Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth;
Give me an undivided heart that I may revere your name.
Psalm 86: 11