NEW CALIFORNIA TOXIC DIESEL POLLUTION REGULATIONS PRAISED BY LEADING GREEN GROUP
October 24, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jesus Mena, (415) 948-4220-c jemena@edf.org
Camille Kustin, 916-752-2834 -c, ckustin@edf.org
(Sacramento – October 24, 2008) Environmental Defense Fund praised the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for releasing two proposed regulations today that would reduce toxic and greenhouse gas emissions by requiring retrofits for newer diesel trucks and the phasing out of older trucks, starting in 2012.
CARB officials estimate that the truck regulations are expected to save 9,400 lives between 2010 and 2025 and greatly reduce health care costs. The state is offering truckers more than $1 billion in funding to offset the costs of complying with the new rules.
“Diesel trucks, especially older trucks, are essentially heart-and-lung killers on wheels, so these proposed measures would be lifesavers for thousands of Californians,” said Camille Kustin, Environmental Defense Fund policy analyst. “They would improve the overall health of state residents, especially that of children who suffer from asthma and other respiratory diseases. They also would boost California’s pioneering efforts in the battle against global warming.”
Diesel trucks emit nearly 40% of the toxic particulate matter and half of the nitrous oxide pollution that create California’s smoggy air. This pollution alone is responsible for 1,500 deaths statewide annually, according to a CARB study. A University of Southern California eight-year study showed that Southern California children exposed to higher levels of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, acid vapor and elemental carbon had significantly lower lung function by age 18, a lung function deficit that is unlikely to be reversed.
“It isn’t unusual for a truck that’s 20 years old – and older – to still be hauling heavy loads,” added Kustin. “Unfortunately, a 20-year-old truck has no pollution controls.”
The first regulation requires that trucks install diesel exhaust filters starting in 2010 to 2014 to reduce particulate matter emissions, followed by a gradual phasing out of older rigs on a staggered implementation schedule between 2012 and 2022. The second regulation requires that certain new and existing trucks be fitted with aerodynamic devices and fuel efficient tires to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas pollution.
CARB is accepting public comments on the proposal between now and its scheduled to vote on the regulations December 11.