Just received by email from the California Air Resources Board (ARB).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE 15-19
CONTACT:
Franceska Ramos
(916) 322-2990
franceska.ramos@arb.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has teamed
up with local and federal agencies to significantly increase
enforcement of California’s Heavy-Duty Diesel regulations
statewide. These partnerships leverage ARB’s ability to bring
vehicles that are operating illegally into compliance and level
the playing field for those that have already met requirements.
ARB currently has extended agreements with various local air
districts and ports to enforce its diesel-related regulations.
Through these partnerships, air districts can write citations for
non-compliant vehicles and equipment subject to various diesel
regulations, helping support extensive enforcement of the truck
and bus regulation. ARB also recently developed an agreement
with the United States Environmental Protection Agency for
enforcement of rules for drayage trucks and aftermarket parts.
Although partnering districts typically refer violations to ARB
for settlement, the district can also issue a citation
immediately without waiting for inspectors from ARB to respond.
This is particularly useful when the district receives a
complaint from a member of the public who has observed a
violation.
“Giving districts the ability to write citations on the spot,
whether it’s based on a tip or during a routine inspection,
really helps us identify violators and get them into compliance
right away,” said Paul E. Jacobs, Enforcement Branch Chief at
the Air Resources Board. “We can’t be everywhere at once, so by
empowering local agencies, heavy-duty diesel rules that protect
public health can be enforced more effectively.”
Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and more than
40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California
identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant
based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other
health problems.
The U.S. EPA also works with ARB to enforce its Truck and Bus and
Drayage Truck regulations under authority of the federal Clean
Air Act. In addition to conducting their own investigations and
audits, U.S. EPA also assists ARB in joint investigations and
audits to help enforce the rules and create a level playing field
for all trucks that operate in California. In turn, ARB works
closely with U.S. EPA to ensure consistent enforcement. U.S. EPA
also works closely on cases involving illegal aftermarket parts
used by diesel powered vehicle owners to gain horsepower. These
parts significantly increase emissions and can lead to engine
damage and manufacturers’ warranties being voided.
While local and federal enforcement partnerships help leverage
ARB’s compliance efforts, ARB’s enforcement teams continue to
keep the pressure on throughout the state. This involves a
variety of enforcement efforts including multi-agency strike
forces, roadside inspections with California Highway Patrol,
joint inspections with authorities at selected ports, and random
inspections at truck stops and rest areas.
ARB conducts investigations and fleet audits based on tips from
the public, from air districts, and from compliant fleets
reporting non-compliant competitors to ARB’s Complaint Hotline
(1-800-END-SMOG).
Citations issued by ARB can result in substantial penalties.
Monies collected go to the State Treasurer for deposit into the
California Air Pollution Control Fund which provides funding for
projects and research to improve California’s air quality.
In some cases, companies can also place up to 25 percent of the
total penalties into a Supplemental Environmental Project. This
could fund, for example, the clean-up of school buses through
adding diesel particulate filter retrofits, new engines or new
buses. Monies used for school bus retrofits are administered by
the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association and are
distributed statewide with priority given to small districts with
the greatest financial need.
Supplemental Environmental Projects also help fund emissions
compliance education classes at participating community colleges
administered by the California Council for Diesel Education and
Technology program.
https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/
For information about how to stay in compliance with ARB’s
heavy-duty diesel regulations, visit ARB’s TruckStop website at
www.arb.ca.gov/truckstop .
To contact ARB’s Complaint Hotline call: 1-800-END-SMOG.
(1-800-363-7664).
PHONE: 323-341-4090 • EMAIL: info@movingforward.com
