CARB gets $48 million to help truckers meet air regulations

CARB gets $48 million to help truckers meet air regulations California air regulators have received $48 million for their efforts to assist low-income truckers in replacing or retrofitting rigs to meet impending state emission regulations.
   Funds from Assembly Bill 118, added this month to a revised state budget by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, will be used by the California Air Resources Board to match funds from the voter-approved Prop1B transportation funds allocated for truck engine retrofits and replacements. CARB officials plan to work with state officials to use the funds to provide low-interest loans to truckers.
   CARB draft regulations aimed at cutting diesel emissions throughout the state require truckers to begin engine replacements or retrofits by 2010. The regulations, which will require all trucks in the state to meet the CARB emission requirements by 2021, are expected to cost the trucking industry $3.5 billion to $5.5 billion.
   The AB118 funds will also be used to assist truckers in retrofitting their trucks with aerodynamic fairings and low-friction tires to help save fuel and cut emissions.