California Rules to Cut Diesel Truck Pollution Called Most Sweepi...( Will Dramatically Cut Largest Source ...),Health

Will Dramatically Cut Largest Source of Deadly Diesel Pollution in State

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Air Resources Board today approved two diesel truck regulations that will dramatically cut the largest source of diesel pollution in the state and are the first of their kind in the United States, according to Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The Air Resource Board estimates that the truck regulations are expected to save 9,400 lives between 2010 and 2025 and greatly reduce health care costs.

"In passing these rules, California will continue to lead a nationwide movement to protect our most vulnerable citizens and reduce health care costs by placing highly cost-effective controls on diesel engines," testified Dr. John Balbus, EDF's chief health scientist and a member of the National Academy of Science Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology (http://www.edf.org/documents/8955_Balbus-CA-Truck-Testimony.pdf), during the public meeting this morning before the Air Resources Board voted to approve the rule late today. "The scientific literature is overflowing with studies documenting harm from diesel emissions to the lungs, the immune system, the heart and cardiovascular system, even the developing brain."

Retrofitting these trucks with particulate matter filters can reduce diesel soot up to 85 percent, and upgrading to newer trucks to meet EPA's latest engine standards can reduce smog-forming nitrogen oxide up to about 90%. The state is offering truckers more than $1 billion in funding to offset the costs of complying with the new rules.

"We should be positive about the overall outcome: we are on a path to reduce deadly diesel emissions," said Camille Kustin, an EDF policy analyst based in Sacramento. "However, we'll be moving along that path slo
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