Groups Seek Change in Calif. Air Rules

Industry groups have asked California to declassify diesel exhaust particulates as a toxic air contaminant, and the state agency in charge of air quality has indicated a willingness to at least listen to the latest arguments from trucking.

The California Air Resources Board is studying how to reduce public exposure to a variety of potentially cancer-causing particulates. Trucking officials are worried that the board may restrict the use of diesel engines.

Several groups, including American Trucking Associations, Truck Manufacturers Association, Engine Manufacturers Association and California Trucking Association, petitioned the board July 2, asking it to review its original decision in light of recent studies.

In the midst of a long debate, CARB staff had recommended listing whole diesel exhaust as a potential carcinogen. Trucking and business interests argued that such a ruling could result in a ban on diesel engines, so a compromise of labeling only diesel particulates as toxic was approved in August 1998.

Particulate matter, which comes from diesel engines, power plants, wood stoves and industrial processes, is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets that are emitted into the air. Individual particles are microscopic, but collectively they can appear as soot, dust clouds or gray hazes. Exposure to this matter has been linked to nose and throat irritation, lung damage and bronchitis.

Allen Schaeffer, vice president of environmental affairs for ATA, said that after its decision, the board began evaluating potential measures to reduce the public’s exposure to the damaging effects.

For the full story, see the July 12 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.