Post by dockworker on Jun 18, 2009 7:23:32 GMT -5
Port of Oakland votes to ban trucks that burn 'dirty diesel'
By Janis Mara
Bay Area News Group
06/17/2009
People living near the Port of Oakland may soon breathe easier after the Port Commission on Tuesday voted to ban trucks that burn dirty diesel fuel.
The ban, part of a $15.2 million comprehensive truck management program for the port that takes effect Jan. 1, 2010, restricts truck models older than 1994, as well as models from 1994 to 2006 not equipped with soot filters. Later-model trucks have much cleaner emissions technology than those of previous years.
The proposal passed 5-1, with Commissioner Anthony Batarse the lone vote in opposition.
"Now we can tell members of the community that dirty trucks will not be entering the port," said Aditi Vaidya of the Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports, which supported the ban.
"We are really proud of the Port Commission. It (the ban) shows the port has taken concrete action and a solid first step to address air pollution that affects both truckers and the community."
Vaidya and her group of environmental and social justice activists filled the port's meeting room in Jack London Square along with other members of the public. Some 20 residents commented on the proposals.
The California Air Resources Board has ruled that dirty trucks will be illegal at the port starting next year, but it is up to the port to enforce the ruling on the estimated 2,000 trucks passing through it daily. The board had postponed a decision on the ban at its June 2 meeting.
On Tuesday, a procession of truck drivers and trucking company representatives pledged support for clean air standards. "We, as a company, will be 100 percent compliant by Jan. 1," said David Naples, one of the owners of Bay Area-based Progressive Transportation Services.
Citing what they say are compelling reasons for the bans, environmentalists point to a 2008 study by the board that found more than 3 million people have a potential elevated cancer risk because of exposure to diesel emissions at the port.
The Port of Los Angeles adopted a plan involving a registry and progressive truck ban in October and has seen an air quality improvement of 25 percent to 35 percent, according to representatives of that port.
Bay Area air-quality regulators, environmentalists and some neighbors say the Port of Oakland should do more to improve air quality ahead of the regulatory deadlines.
Critics say the Oakland port has lagged behind the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, which have adopted freight container fees to fund clean-air measures, and adopted their own bans ahead of the state's deadline.
"I'm relieved," said Vaidya, adding that the move demonstrated the leadership of Executive Director Omar Benjamin, Commission President Victor Uno, Commissioner Margaret Gordon, and the entire board.
The Oakland port is spending $5 million to help finance retrofitting trucks at the port along with a $5 million grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
By Janis Mara
Bay Area News Group
06/17/2009
People living near the Port of Oakland may soon breathe easier after the Port Commission on Tuesday voted to ban trucks that burn dirty diesel fuel.
The ban, part of a $15.2 million comprehensive truck management program for the port that takes effect Jan. 1, 2010, restricts truck models older than 1994, as well as models from 1994 to 2006 not equipped with soot filters. Later-model trucks have much cleaner emissions technology than those of previous years.
The proposal passed 5-1, with Commissioner Anthony Batarse the lone vote in opposition.
"Now we can tell members of the community that dirty trucks will not be entering the port," said Aditi Vaidya of the Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports, which supported the ban.
"We are really proud of the Port Commission. It (the ban) shows the port has taken concrete action and a solid first step to address air pollution that affects both truckers and the community."
Vaidya and her group of environmental and social justice activists filled the port's meeting room in Jack London Square along with other members of the public. Some 20 residents commented on the proposals.
The California Air Resources Board has ruled that dirty trucks will be illegal at the port starting next year, but it is up to the port to enforce the ruling on the estimated 2,000 trucks passing through it daily. The board had postponed a decision on the ban at its June 2 meeting.
On Tuesday, a procession of truck drivers and trucking company representatives pledged support for clean air standards. "We, as a company, will be 100 percent compliant by Jan. 1," said David Naples, one of the owners of Bay Area-based Progressive Transportation Services.
Citing what they say are compelling reasons for the bans, environmentalists point to a 2008 study by the board that found more than 3 million people have a potential elevated cancer risk because of exposure to diesel emissions at the port.
The Port of Los Angeles adopted a plan involving a registry and progressive truck ban in October and has seen an air quality improvement of 25 percent to 35 percent, according to representatives of that port.
Bay Area air-quality regulators, environmentalists and some neighbors say the Port of Oakland should do more to improve air quality ahead of the regulatory deadlines.
Critics say the Oakland port has lagged behind the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, which have adopted freight container fees to fund clean-air measures, and adopted their own bans ahead of the state's deadline.
"I'm relieved," said Vaidya, adding that the move demonstrated the leadership of Executive Director Omar Benjamin, Commission President Victor Uno, Commissioner Margaret Gordon, and the entire board.
The Oakland port is spending $5 million to help finance retrofitting trucks at the port along with a $5 million grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.