First-in-nation proposal in CA to drastically curb diesel emissions
California is proposing a first-in-the-nation regulation that would require nearly all heavy trucks that operate in the state to install a filter on their exhaust pipes to reduce diesel soot emissions by 85%. The proposal comes before the California Air Resources Board on Friday.
If passed, it would take effect in 2010, with 2014 as the deadline for almost all retrofits. The filters would cost truck operators around $15,000 to $20,000 per truck. The second and potentially more burdensome phase of the proposal would require older trucks to upgrade their engines to reduce emissions.
Diesel soot is a particularly harmful pollutant. Medical research indicates that it is among the most harmful types of air pollution, as it can lodge deep in human lungs, can penetrate the walls of blood vessels, and contains more than 40 cancer causing chemicals.
With nearly 50% of all Californians living within one mile of a freeway, this is a tremendous health issue.
Not surprisingly, trucker and business groups, including the California Trucking Association and California Chamber of Commerce, oppose the regulations, calling them cost prohibitive– especially in a time of recession.
The California Air Resources Board estimates that the regulation would cost $5.5 billion but would save at least $48 billion in reduced health care costs and increased productivity. Additionally, the state will provide $1 billion in low-interest loans and grants to businesses to help truckers comply with the rule.
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