Truck drivers convoyed from the Port of Oakland to the California capitol Wednesday to protest strict emissions standards that ban older trucks and require costly filter upgrades for newer trucks. After Jan. 1, trucks made in 1993 or before will be banned from entering the port, based on controversial air quality regulations.
About 150 drivers met at the Port of Oakland, then traveled to Sacramento, where the California Air Resources Board gathered to discuss the regulations.
CARB and the new regulations recently came under fire. Information was released alleging certain members, including the chair, knowingly kept silent about the falsified qualifications of lead researcher Hien Tran. Tran’s report was partly responsible for the stifling and costly regulations now being protested at several California ports. At least two CARB members have said the discovery of Tran’s deception, and the board’s actions in not telling the full membership, raised questions of legitimacy.
Additionally, the slow economy has put many truckers on the sidelines, effectively reducing the amount of truck-caused emissions through a lesser number of trucks actually operating. A spokeswoman said the board would consider changing the deadlines for compliance.
Sources:
KTVU: Angry Truck Drivers Protest New Emission Standards.
The Sacramento Bee: State air board will debate a recession break on diesel rules
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John says
I work in downtown Sacramento the protest is causing disruption of business. I been a truck driver for 40years .this happened before learn to live with it.