Air quality regulators in California have voted unanimously in favour of new hard-line rules to crack down on diesel pollution from heavy-duty trucks, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The state Air Resources Board announced on Friday (12th December) that the 14 state senators and 24 assembly members were in agreement that "an effective heavy-duty diesel truck rule is essential to clean up California's air".

As a result, around one million big-rig drivers will be required to fit their vehicles with diesel particulate filters from 2011, despite companies claiming that the move will jeopardise their survival.

Mary Nichols, Chairman of the board, told the newspaper: "This is an industry that has an enormous impact on people's lives.

"This regulation will save more than 9,000 lives and reduce the toxic emissions that cause cancer and birth defects."

The announcement - which is aimed at any older truck travelling through the state - comes against a backdrop of the government ordering new diesel trucks to operate with far cleaner engines by 2010.

It applies to trucks weighing over 14,000 lbs, meaning owners will have to retrofit around 230,000 rigs with the platinum-based diesel exhaust traps and replace 350,000 older engines by 2023.

However, truckers were up in arms at the decision, expressing fears about the potential impact of the new regulations on their livelihood.

Greg Pile, a San Diego beekeeper who has five trucks which are over 18 years old, was quoted by the newspaper as saying: "At the stroke of your pen, you will have trashed my assets and turned them into toxic waste."

Ms Nichols also revealed that the measure - which is the first of its kind in the US - could soon be repeated by other states as they "look to California for leadership".

Source:

California approves measure to cut diesel pollution (13/12/08)
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-diesel13-2008dec13,0,3112527.story

Californian air regulators to discuss diesel particulate filter plans for trucks 11th December 2008
http://www.platinum.matthey.com/media_room/californian_air_regulators_to_discuss_diesel_particulate_filter_plans_for_trucks_18924562.html