Media Advisory: 2000-09-26 Air Board to Consider Diesel Risk Management Plan


Release 00-23
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2000	CONTACT:	Jerry Martin (916) 322-2990 Richard Varenchik (626) 575-6730 www.arb.ca.gov

Media Advisory

Air Board to Consider Diesel Risk Management Plan

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.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB'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 ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

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