Most Expensive ARB Regulation in State History

(December 8, 2008) As California continues to suffer from the effects of a slowing economy, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will consider adopting the most expensive environmental regulation in California history.

The statewide truck and bus rule would require nearly all commercial heavy duty diesel vehicles in California to be retrofitted or replaced over the next decade. The ARB will consider formal adoption of the regulatory scheme during its December 11-12 meeting in Sacramento.

With the ARB vote looming, the Driving Toward a Cleaner California (DTCC) coalition is making a final push to convince the ARB to adopt an alternative proposal. DTCC is a coalition of business interests from across California’s diverse economy that has been advocating an alternative regulation which balances the need for clean air and economic stability.

The DTCC alternative proposal offers relief for the regulated community by providing for a fairer implementation schedule and increased mileage exemptions for low-mileage trucks. The alternative balances the need for emission reductions with the needs of California’s small businesses and working families.

The current economic crisis demands that ARB balance economic and environmental needs by adopting the DTCC alternative proposal.

Action Needed

CalChamber members and readers of the Alert can have an impact on the ARB vote next week:

• Support the DTCC Alternative Proposal: Please visit the DTCC website at www.drivecleanca.org, click on the “Submit a Comment to CARB” section and make sure that the ARB members know that you support the DTCC alternative.
• Attend the ARB Hearing and Testify: The ARB hearing will be held in Sacramento at the Cal/EPA building, 1001 I Street, Sacramento. Attend the hearings in person and make sure that the ARB understands the impact that this rule will have on your business.

Staff Contact: Jason Schmelzer