Air Board to Consider Diesel Risk Management Plan

Print

Media Advisory

Date
Release Number
00-23

Contacts

Richard Varenchik
Public Information Office
(916) 322-2990

SACRAMENTO– This Thursday the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will consider a plan to reduce statewide diesel emissions by 90 percent within the next ten years. If adopted, the plan calls for a dozen separate control measures that would require the use of low-polluting fuel, retrofits on existing engines and modifications on new engines to reduce emissions. The plan includes proposals that address both motor vehicles and stationary source engines.

Meeting Information:

Thursday, September 28
9:00 a.m.

California Air Resources Board
Lower Level Hearing Room
2020 L Street
Sacramento

Diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions have been found to be the most pervasive toxic air contaminant (TAC) in California, contributing about 70 percent of the health risk attributed to airborne toxic emissions.

In 1998 the Board identified diesel PM as a toxic air contaminant. Once a substance is identified as a TAC, the ARB is required by law to determine if there is a need for further control. If additional controls are deemed necessary, the Board must develop a risk management plan to protect public health.

CARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The CARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.