LA truck clean-up programme approved

Under the programme, Los Angeles offers financial incentives to improve air emissions which have so far enabled 6,600 clean diesel and alternative fuel vehicles to enter into service. The port claims the move has already resulted in a near 80% reduction in emissions.

However, the ATA has questioned a portion of LA’s Clean Truck Program which requires all drivers that service the port to be company employees by 2012. ATA claims that this violates constitutionally-protected interstate commerce. Currently, most drivers working in the port are independent owner-operators, paid by the load.

But Judge Snyder ruled in favour of the Clean Truck Program, lifting the injunction and upholding the Los Angeles Clean Truck Program in entirety.

Geraldine Knatz, executive director at the port, said: “We are extremely pleased that our concession program was upheld by the court ruling, including accountability of motor carriers. Our ability to have direct enforcement of the truck bans and other important features of our concession agreements with the trucking companies that call at the Port of Los Angeles thousands of times a day will help provide a safer and secure trucking system for the long term.”
ATA has already announced it will file an appeal.