A powerful federal trucking association sued the cities of Long Beach and Los Angeles in federal court Monday, claiming their "Clean Trucks" environmental program violates federal law and creates an "unreasonable burden" on local truck drivers.
In their suit, filed in Los Angeles, the American Trucking Association asks a judge to block a regulatory plan that would force drivers into newer, cleaner trucks no later than Jan. 1, 2012. The program is expected to cut cancer-causing truck diesel emissions by 80 percent in five years.
Specifically, the ATA objects to the plan's use of concession agreements to enforce the vehicle turnover, saying the deals "unlawfully re-regulate the port trucking industry to the detriment of motor carriers, shippers, and the businesses and consumers that depend on the products handled at those ports."
Ironically, the Port of Long Beach, whose commissioners adopted a plan slightly different than neighboring Los Angeles in an attempt to avoid a lawsuit, now face a showdown in federal court.
The ports have up to 30 days to respond to the allegations before the court can act.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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