California just became the first state in the country to enforce that diesel trucks clean up their exhaust. About a million vehicles, from big rigs to school buses, will be affected by this new rule, which will take effect in 2011 and does not require further ratification. Some vehicles will have to start retrofitting engines in 2011 and older trucks will be forced into retirement starting in 2012. Individual truckers and companies expressed concern for the state’s landmark global warming law. They’re worried that the new rules requiring retrofitting of recently purchased trucks and the replacing of older ones could prove to be difficult during a global economic slowdown.
By 2023, all trucks will have to meet 2010 new engine emission standards. The rules regulate smog-causing oxides of nitrogen, which are greenhouse gases, and particulate matter, which is super toxic.
The California Air Resources Board estimated the regulations would cost about $5.5 billion. It put the health benefits of cleaner air at $48 to $69 billion over the next couple of decades.
The move by California, (leading US in climate change), complements a detailed strategy to cut carbon emissions levels by 2020. California has once again stepped up to lead the way for fellow states. Keep it up Cali.
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