In Rhode Island, toxic Diesel soot is responsible for 51 premature deaths 80 heart attacks, 900 asthma attacks, 1,400 respiratory symptoms in children, and 5,500 missed work days. At a minimum, the health effects of diesel pollution cost Rhode Island $300 million annually. 

The Rhode Island Diesel Pollution Initiative advocates for the use of diesel particulate filters (DPF's) as a means to reduce toxic diesel pollution. DPF's are effective exhaust filters that can capture up to 90% of toxic particulate matter emitted by a diesel engine. The DPI was instrumental in passing legislation to clean up Rhode Island school buses with these exhaust filters, by passing a statewide Anti-Idling law which limits idling in Rhode Island to five minutes, and by passing a Clean Construction law requiring construction vehilces used on publicly funded construction projects to run clean. This year the DPI wants to see our national government lead by example and include a clean construction provision in the 2011 transportation bill. Public money shouldn't create a public health risk!

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