Postpone On-Road Diesel Truck Regulations in CA
The recent uproar about the validity of the study on global warming, coincides with the California Air Resource Board (CARB) finally being called out by one of their own. While I am a big advocate for getting at least ONE business representative on the CARB Board, I am thankful that Board member Dr. John G. Tellez took a stand. Members of the CARB Board and Staff were aware of problems with the study that was the main support for the truck regulation’s implementation, but DID NOT inform Dr. Tellez and other Board members before they voted on the final rule. He is requesting that the regulation be postponed, so are we and if you have a fleet of vehicles, you should too.
My Best, Mary
December 7, 2009
The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor, State of California
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Via Fax: 916.558.3160
Subject: Need to Postpone On-Road Diesel Truck Regulation
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:
I am writing on behalf of my company and the 1,300 businesses we serve in Southern California to request that you postpone the On-Road Diesel Truck Regulation. Two California Air Resource Board members have asked that the Truck Rule be set aside due to ethical and legal implications surrounding the development of that report and the qualifications of a key individual who authored the report. We concur.
This regulation has the potential to put many small and medium-sized businesses out of operation due to its expense. We are a financially stable, 64 year old company, with deep enough roots to survive the current economy, but even we are considering shutting down certain segments of our business due to the onerous cost of the this regulation. Unfortunately, many of my customers are in even worse positions. The loss of these businesses will have a dramatic domino effect on the economy of Southern California. The Board must address the affordability of this regulation.
Delay of the regulation will not adversely affect air quality as the economic downturn has already significantly reduced diesel emissions through reduced trucking and construction in the state. This was verified by CARB staff recently at a public workshop where, with no action, the state will meet 2011 SIP commitments for NOX and PM2.5.
Strong management of California’s well being REQUIRES that you delay this rule. Ethics and morality demand that you look at CARB, its Board and what their lack of honesty will continue to cost this state and the people trying to live here.
Mary D. Wilson
President and Third Generation Petroleum Marketer