Helping Truck Firms Green Up Their Act

PREVIEW

Fearful that California will run afoul of federal clean air regulations and could face the possible phasing out of smog-causing diesel fuel, state lawmakers are gearing up to tackle the issue by helping the trucking industry--a major diesel consumer--replace aging tractor-trailers with newer, more-efficient models.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new standards that would limit the volume of ultra-fine particulates that could be emitted into the air. Among the particulate culprits are nitrogen oxide emissions from 18-wheel tractor-trailer trucks powered by diesel.

Trucking firms say they can’t afford to buy expensive new big rigs with cleaner-burning engines.

But two lawmakers from the Southland are hoping to do something about it next year when the Legislature reconvenes. Although some environmental and health advocacy groups would prefer to ban diesel fuel on health grounds, two approaches for dealing with the issue have emerged in the Capitol.

One is AB 1368, by Assemblyman Antonio Villaraigosa (D-Los Angeles). In the early 1990s, the state required a low-sulfur, less-polluting form of diesel to be sold in California. But truckers who prefer traditional diesel often fill up outside the state.

Villaraigosa’s measure would tax truckers 6 cents for every gallon of noncomplying fuel used in the state. The proceeds would be doled out as grants to trucking firms to help them buy new engines or retrofit old ones to reduce the polluting emissions from diesel fuel.

The California Trucking Assn. and the Western States Petroleum Assn. oppose the penalties, preferring a system of tax breaks and subsidies to pay for conversions.

Meanwhile, Sen. Jim Brulte (R-Rancho Cucamonga) has introduced SB 1096 to provide trucking companies a tax credit of up to $20,000 per vehicle to help defray the cost of buying low-emission heavy-duty tractor-trailer rigs, which typically cost between $70,000 and $100,000.

Brulte says he hopes the incentive will encourage private transportation firms to buy the more expensive trucks.

Both bills stalled in the Senate this year but are expected to resurface in 1998.

At an informational hearing in Long Beach last week, environmental groups and trucking interests were supportive of an incentive-based approach.

But Republicans fear that a Democratic majority in the Legislature will try to co-opt Brulte’s plan.

One thing is for certain, all sides appear to agree the state will need to pony up millions in general fund money to avoid stiff penalties for failing to meet the federal clear air requirements by 2010, as mandated.

HOT BILLS

* Wage Garnishments

Bottom Line: With the proliferation of wage garnishments involving everything from traffic fines to court settlements, businesses seek legislation to relieve the costs of processing the orders. This bill allows employers to deduct $1 from an employee’s pay each month for every garnishment order they process.

Chances: The bill passed the Legislature easily in July and was signed by Gov. Pete Wilson the same month. Next Step: Takes effect Jan. 1.

Details: AB 519 author Assemblyman Bernie Richter (R-Chico) can be reached at (916) 445-7298.