- One San Diego County resident dies every day from vehicle pollution, according to a new report by the International Council on Clean Transportation.
- Statewide, vehicle pollution causes over 8,300 premature deaths and 5,500 new pediatric asthma cases annually.
- Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are the top emitters, and San Diego County has the fifth-highest number of warehouses in California.
- Transition to zero-emission vehicles is underway, but the speed of electrification—especially for trucks—will determine health benefits.
Every day, one San Diego County resident dies from vehicle pollution, and roughly one new pediatric asthma case emerges, according to a report published Monday by the International Council on Clean Transportation. The study highlights the severe health toll of transportation emissions in the region.
Key Findings on Health Impacts
Statewide, vehicle pollution leads to more than 8,300 premature deaths and 5,500 new pediatric asthma cases annually. “That’s not surprising because California is home to some of the country’s most dangerous transportation pollution hotspots,” said Josh Miller, one of the study’s authors.
Major Contributors to Pollution
In San Diego, transportation is the largest source of fossil fuel emissions. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles—such as eighteen-wheelers, large-box trucks, transit buses, and school buses—are the top emitters. “San Diego County also has the fifth-highest number of warehouses among counties in California,” said Miller. “There is a very clear connection between the freight infrastructure and activity and the health burden that we’re seeing.”
How Pollution Causes Harm
Researchers quantified emission rates—including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds—using satellite data and mobile plume chasing technology. “Emissions happen right along freeways and ports, near freight distribution hubs and in the densest neighborhoods,” said Lingzhi Jin, another researcher. “Kids living near freeways and freight hubs might end up carrying so much of this asthma burden.”
Local Efforts Toward Zero Emissions
In San Diego County, transitions to zero-emission vehicles are underway. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System has 40 battery-electric buses in service and plans to add nearly two dozen more this year. In El Cajon, the Helix Water District unveiled a massive charging depot in March to prepare for the state’s 2030 deadline prohibiting state and local agencies from purchasing new gas- and diesel-powered fleet vehicles.
Challenges and Next Steps
Miller emphasized that health benefits depend on how quickly the transition happens, especially after the federal government’s proposal to delay enforcement of a regulation requiring significant cuts in vehicle air pollution. “The key questions are how quickly can we electrify, and especially how quickly can we electrify trucks,” he said. “Those are a disproportionate contributor to air pollution.” He suggested California fund more incentive programs and build charging infrastructure quickly. Consumers are encouraged to consider electric vehicles; Governor Newsom’s new state budget includes $3,500 instant rebates for new EV buyers.
Conclusion
The report underscores the urgent need to accelerate the shift to zero-emission vehicles to save lives and reduce childhood asthma in San Diego County and across California. Local efforts are promising, but faster action is critical.