The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is looking at pushing back deadlines to give small truck fleets a few more years to comply with air quality regulations in California.
CARB is holding a meeting later this week to consider relaxing some of the state's tough rules for small fleets, lightly used trucks and those in rural areas with cleaner air, and offer other adjustments to assist truck owners, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The changes being considered are in response to pressure from small trucking firms and owner-operators, required to install diesel particulate filters or upgrade to cleaner models for the first time this year, who have pleaded for more time to comply.
These upgrades can cost as much as $20,000 per truck.
Those opposed to the changes, including the National Resources Defense Council, are urging the board to back away from the proposal to help preserve steps the state has taken to reduce pollution, while some in trucking say the cost of increasing regulations in the state is hurting them. Others in trucking want no delay in the regulations, saying they have spent enormous amounts of money getting ready for compliance.
