Association Works to Reduce Diesel Emissions

from "Public Policy Update", Breathe Easy news magazine, Fall 2002/Winter 2003

Advocating for the strongest possible regulations to reduce the public’s exposure to toxic diesel soot, the American Lung Association of California is monitoring the development of new regulations by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The proposed measures would reduce exposure of schoolchildren to idling diesel buses on school grounds, establish pollution limits for new and existing diesel back-up generators (used for emergency energy production), and reduce emissions from diesel-fueled waste-haulers. The association will urge CARB members to adopt strong, health-protective controls when these measures come before the board for adoption.

The American Lung Association of California has also endorsed Assembly Bill 2650 (Lowenthal, D-Long Beach) to reduce diesel emissions in port communities. If signed by the Governor, AB 2650 will establish new requirements to shorten idling times for heavy-duty diesel trucks at ports and establish a new fund to replace and upgrade older trucks to use cleaner-fueled engines.