August may be the dog days of summer, but in California it's also Gear Up for Clean Truck Month, with the Air Resources Board launching a multi-agency campaign to make sure that trucks traversing the state's highways are in compliance with state air pollution laws.
"Our goal this month is to do everything in our power to make sure truckers know the rules and that they understand how to comply," said ARB Executive Officer James Goldstene. "All our diesel regulations were adopted with one thing in mind - protecting public health. Focusing on enforcement gives us the chance not only to educate drivers on why the regulations are important but also to ensure that truck owners investing in cleaner equipment are on a level playing field with those who are not playing by the rules."
State measures aimed at cleaning up diesel vehicles include requirements to report fleet information to ARB, employ fuel-saving technology, install diesel soot filters and replace or upgrade aging engines and transport refrigeration units.
Working in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol and other allied agencies, ARB will deploy inspectors throughout the state, focusing on trade hubs, weigh stations, ports, railyards and major points of entry into the state.
The campaign is also geared to provide advice and educational materials including information and fact sheets on how to follow regulations, maintain equipment properly, and grants and funding that may be available now and in the future to help purchase clean trucks and related equipment.
Environmental groups, community organizations and industry have all expressed support for Gear Up for Clean Truck Month, noting its goals to educate truckers, improve air quality and protect public health in the most feasible cost-efficient manner.
Truckers with questions can visit the ARB website at www.arb.ca.gov and click on The Truck Stop, contact the ARB Diesel Hotline at 1-866-6-DIESEL or email [email protected].
