Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Environmental Quality
 
Board
Air Pollution Control Board
 
Guidance Document Change: DEQ Guidance Memo APG-578 addresses the use of emergency generators in the case of “sudden and reasonably unforeseeable events” as the result of a planned electric outage.
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12/1/25  7:53 pm
Commenter: Russ

Tier II causes tears too
 

Smog from Tier II generators causing allergic reactions in peoples respiratory systems and eyes. The tiny particles in diesel exhaust, known as diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), can act as adjuvants, enhancing the body's allergic response to common allergens like pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. These particles can bind to allergens, facilitating their deposition in the lower airways and increasing their ability to trigger allergic reactions.

Witnessing our loved ones get sick and weak from extensive diesel exhaust alone is enough to bring tears to our eyes.

DEQ must put protecting public health first as their primary mission above all else. The emergency generator allowance should not be broadened to include planned outage events. We should restrict diesel usage to minimal possible and drive transformation towards battery and renewable energy sources instead.

CommentID: 238211