Comment Log Display

     First of all, let me state that I want clean air.  I want it
for me, my family and my children.  Everybody wants clean air.
     As California's economy crumbles and The Governor has called
the state of the economy a "crisis", I can't even fathom why this
draconian regulation implementation would be considered. The costs
associated with this implementation is absurd.  
     As the bill is written, the most economical way to abide by
the law would be to retrofit diesel engines.  To do this, it would
costs California public schools more than $1 BILLION DOLLARS.  This
could be fatal to California's agricultural industry.  Our business
has only 12 diesel units and it could cost us $1.5 Million.  As a
small family owned trucking company in business for three
generations, this would put us out of business.
     The businesses that would survive, would be forced to pass
the new costs along to the public.  By adding the transportation
cost to the public, every commodity would be priced higher in
California.  Gas would be $8.00 per gallon instead of $3.00.  The
cost of milk would double, clothing would double, every item in the
grocery store would cost the consumer more money.  At a time when
unemployment is at a high, this regulation would guarantee more
unemployment, less consumer spending, and less taxable income. That
means less money for police, fire, and other essential services for
all.  As baby boomers ready themselves for retirement and fixed
incomes will be the norm, how will the elderly pay for the price
increases to every commodity? 
     Even if companies wanted to upgrade their equipment to meet
the new regulation standards, right now, they could not get a loan
to retrofit or upgrade their engines.  If The State of California
can't get a loan, then how can a small company get a loan to
purchase new equipment?
     If common sense prevails, then the The State will do as they
did with vehicle emissions in the past.  All new vehicles purchased
will have the new engines with California standards.  As new trucks
are purchased to replace older vehicles, then the older vehicles
will be eliminated.  The effects would be a win-win for everybody. 
Companies with diesel engine vehicles would be able to stay in
business, commodities would still be priced reasonable for the
consumer, and emissions would be reduced as new vehicles are put on
the road.
     AB 32 can work for all, however, the regulations have to be
reasonable for all.
     Sincerely,
     R.D.