California Air Resources Board Should 'Stay the Course' on Transit Fleet Emissions Rule, New Ad Urges

Existing Rule, Standards are Critical to Reducing Air Pollution in Smoggy California, Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition Says

CARB to Vote on October 20

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 26 -- The California Air Resources Board (CARB), a state authority that is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, should "stay the course" and leave the state's existing transit fleet rule in place to help cut air pollution and clean the air. The existing emissions rule was made after careful consideration in 1999. So says a full-page ad that appears in today's Sacramento Bee.

The ad is from the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition (www.cngvc.org). It is directed to members of CARB, and states:

There are three policy options for the transit fleet rule before you on October 20th:

#1: Stay the course and leave the existing rule and standards in place for 2007. It was made after careful consideration in 1999 to help cut air pollution and clean the air in California. The existing rule requires NOx [nitrogen oxide] emissions for all new transit buses to meet the 0.2 gram standard in 2007.

#2: "Harmonize" the standard with federal heavy-duty truck emission standards. This would essentially throw out the requirement for 0.2 gram NOx engines in 2007 and allow engines with SIX TIMES THE EMISSIONS to be used in new transit buses. This is unacceptable to the people and the state of California as we struggle to improve air quality statewide. And, the fact is, manufacturers of various engine types will be able to meet the existing 0.2 California standard if it remains in place.

#3: Eliminate the diesel path for transit buses and require all new transit buses to be alternative fuel vehicles. Contrary to what some in the media have alleged, the natural gas vehicle industry is NOT endorsing this option.

The ad continues: "We believe CARB should stay the course and leave the existing rule and standard in place. Recently it was reported that Southern California was on the way to becoming the 'smog capital of the U.S.' again. The San Joaquin Valley is in second place. We all need the existing rule to continue."

Michael Eaves, president of the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, added: "Maintaining the current transit fleet rule is in the best interest of all Californians. It helps fight air pollution, it's fuel-neutral, and it ensures that transit fleet operators will have choices as they seek vehicles for their future needs."