Comment Log Display

I operate a vehicle dealership selling trailers to the trucking
industry and businesses using Diesel tractors and trailers to
transport their product over California's highways.  After 49 years
in business, I am concerned about the viability of our customers
and of dealerships in these difficult times.  Business will be made
more difficult by the recent proposed rules to mandate equipment
changes.

Cash is scarce and financing is more difficult to obtain for new
equipment purchases or retrofits to existing tractors.  Mandating
the replacement or retrofitting of Diesel powered trucks and
equipment that met all applicable California rules when they were
built and sold new will force many operators will retire their
existing equipment and not replace it.  With the retirement of
those tractors, driving jobs will also be retired and the
capability to move goods vital to our economy's recovery will be
reduced.  Those operators able to make these investments will have
less money available for other fuel saving investments, such as the
voluntary SmartWay program.

While we all support reducing particulate matter and NOx emissions
from Diesel engines, we must also be concerned about movement of
goods and our state's economy.  Please consider other proposals
such as Driving Toward a Cleaner California that have similar goals
and timetables but which would cause less havoc in the
transportation industry.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Roger M Simon
Pioneer Trailer Sales
Santa Ana, California