The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger 12/8/09
Governor, State of California
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Subject: Legal need to Postpone On-Road Diesel Truck Regulation
or
Regulations Gone Wild
Governor Schwarzenegger:
Two ARB Board members have asked that the Truck Rule be set aside due to ethical and legal implications surrounding the development of that report/regulation and the qualifications of a key individual who authored the report.
This regulation will put many small and medium-sized businesses out of operation due to its expense. Businesses like ours have spent over 1 million in compliance actions in the past year compiling with requirements like Enhanced Vapor Recovery. The additional layering of compliance of On-Road Regulation, Large Spark Ignition, AB32 and our Customer’s loss of business and income form compliance of Off Road and stationery engine requirements leave our future bleak.
Additionally significant problems and issues regarding the so-called $2 billion assistance package have arisen, further heightening the probability that small firms like mine, especially, may have not any option but to cease operations.
All of this has occurred at a time when Director Nichols has penalized/fined businesses in California over 65 million dollars since 2007. The regulatory climate is overwhelming and for even the simplest of businesses requires professionals to determine compliance. ARB’s outreach to inform business of regulatory compliance is a failure.
Delay of the regulation will not adversely affect air quality, the economic downturn has already significantly reduced diesel emissions through reduced trucking and construction in the state. This was verified by CARB staff recently at a public workshop where, with no action, the state will meet 2011 SIP commitments for NOX and PM2.5.
The Board must address the affordability of this regulation. There has been no revision or study on the economic consequences of this regulation or the effect of LAYERING from all the other regulations gone wild. This is needed in light of our current economic condition and any hope of recovery for jobs and business.
Thank You for your Consideration
Ed Ward
JB Dewar Technical Services
PO Box 3059
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
805 540-7106
P.O. Box 3059 · 75 Prado Road · San Luis Obispo CA 93403-3059
805.543.0180 · 1.800.549.OILS (6457) · 805.543.8537 (Fax)