Meeting Info:
California Transportation Commission Hearing
January 25th, 2023
I-15 Project Agenda Item: Anytime between 2-6 pm
Click here to be notified by text when the agenda item comes up.
How to Call In:
Step 1: Register for the meeting
Registration Link: Click Here
Once registered you will receive the meeting’s Zoom link by email. It’s best to register in advance, but you can register and join during the meeting.
Step 2: Join the Meeting and use the “Raise Hand” feature during the I-15 Agenda Item (will be shown on screen as Tabs 18 & 19) to indicate you wish to speak.
Step 3: When the clerk calls your name, unmute yourself and begin to speak. Start by introducing yourself and stating where you are from. You will have 3 minutes to make your comment. Use the talking points below to help you make your argument.
Tip: Feel free to talk about your personal experiences, especially if you live next to a noisy highway or know someone who has experienced the effects of air pollution.
Step 4: Thank the commissioners and urge them to vote No on the I-15 Corridor Project
Talking Points: I-15 Corridor Project
- Located in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
- This project will add 2 express lanes and 1 auxiliary lane to Interstate 15
- The project is projected to increase traffic by approximately 12 to 28 percent
- The increased traffic will result in an increase in GHG and air pollutant emissions in the region due to an increase in car exhaust emissions.
- The South California region is already tasked with cutting GHG emissions by 19% by 2035. This project moves us further away from that goal.
- Additionally, the project developers argue that this project will not increase truck traffic
- However, truck traffic already comprises 5–17 percent of the overall traffic on the road and will most likely increase after new lanes are added due to induced demand
- Truck traffic generates significantly more air pollution than cars and is responsible for 59% of ozone and 55% of particulate matter emissions
- Making room for more truck traffic on the I-15 will encourage more warehouse development in an already heavily burdened community.
- Warehouse growth in the Inland Empire has taken over entire communities and reduced the quality of life in many low-income communities of color.
- The project is expected to increase daily vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 22% by 2045 and by 10% by 2024
- California currently has a goal in the Scoping Plan to reduce VMT by 25% by 2030 in order to meet state-mandated GHG emission reductions.
- Studies show that California will not be able to adequately reduce GHG emissions to address the climate crisis unless we also significantly reduce the amount of cars on the road (expressed as a reduction in VMT)
- The project makes little effort to mitigate this increase in VMT aside from establishing a ride-sharing program.
- The project proponents claim it will have less than significant effect on Air Quality
- Riverside and San Bernardino Counties are considered to be in Extreme Nonattainment for Ozone pollution and serious Nonattainment for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) under the Clean Air Act
- The two counties have also been ranked as the most polluted counties in the United States by the American Lung Association
- Exposure to ozone can cause damage to the lungs through health effects such as asthma, bronchitis, reduced lung function, and permanently scarred lung tissue.
- Car exhaust can also release particulate matter pollution which can cause lung cancer, heart attacks, and even premature death
- Because this project will increase car and truck traffic, it will increase pollution in the area and affect the health of local residents.
- Neighborhoods located near major roadways are often comprised of people of color who are therefore disproportionately affected by the increase in air pollution
- The project is also projected to increase the speed at which vehicles will be driving from 44.3 mph to 51.7 mph
- As road speed increases, so does the frequency and injury severity of car crashes.
- Therefore, this project is a public health concern to both the local residents and the people driving on the highway.
