San Joaquin Agency Asks Feds To Impose Restrictions On Heavy Trucks, Locomotives

Tougher restrictions on air pollution for heavy duty trucks and locomotives are being sought in the San Joaquin Valley. And residents could pay a steep price if air pollution standards aren’t met.

Over the last 25 years, the San Joaquin Valley has spent $40 billion and reduced air pollution by 80 percent, but it’s not enough.

Another 90 percent reduction in emissions is needed by 2025.

Meeting the standard set by the federal government would require reducing the pollution put out by diesel locomotives and heavy trucks.

Sayed Sadredin heads the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, a 250-mile-long area stretching from Stockton to Bakersfield.

He says the district is petitioning the federal government to order those changes.

“Eighty-five percent of that pollution comes from sources only the federal government can control, but if we’re not able to meet the federal standards, all the penalties would fall on valley residents,” says Sadredin.

Sadredin says those penalties could include loss of highway funds, the massive loss of jobs for those projects, and a ban on new and expanding businesses.