Calif. Panel OKs Measure Giving Air Districts Regulatory Powers

measure to reduce diesel emissions in California by authorizing local air districts to regulate emission sources won approval in the state’s Senate Transportation Committee last week.

“This is another piece of the puzzle to get us in full compliance with federal standards statewide,” said Assemblywoman Jenny Oropeza (D), sponsor of the legislation approved by the Assembly last year. “There is no question and the documentation is clear that these diesel pollutants are affecting the health of Californians.”

The bill, expected to be reviewed by the Senate Housing and Environmental Quality Committee this week, would require ports, airports and rail yards to submit a plan for emissions reduction, which would then be monitored and approved by local air-quality districts, said Sharon Weissman, a spokeswoman for Oropeza.