SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board in April penalized Bay Area and Southern California companies for violation of clean diesel truck regulations for a total of $38,250.

Wilbur-Ellis Company, headquartered in San Francisco, and Piazza Trucking, Inc., based in South Gate, both violated California's Periodic Smoke Inspection Program, which requires owners of California-registered trucks to regularly inspect their vehicles to meet state air quality standards.

"These regulations are established to ensure California's heavy-duty vehicles are properly maintained and free from excessive smoke," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "This penalty sends a clear message that the inspection program must be taken seriously."

A field investigation by the ARB showed that both Piazza Trucking and Wilbur-Ellis failed to properly inspect their diesel-powered vehicle fleets. To settle the case, Piazza Trucking agreed to the $33,750 penalty and Wilbur-Ellis agreed to $4,500 to comply with the Periodic Smoke Inspection Program. A sum of $9,562.50 will be paid to the Peralta Community College District to fund diesel technology education programs and training for staff that operate diesel-fueled vehicles.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing substances. In 1998, California identified diesel exhaust as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. People exposed to higher levels of emissions from diesel-fueled engines are at increased risk for cancer.