Adding diesel fumes to that list seems warranted. In addition to the April report from the air board's science advisors, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in a March draft report, identified diesel as a probable human carcinogen, as has the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Yet the ubiquitous nature of diesel and the extent to which our economy depends on the diesel-fueled transport of goods and services make this a tough call politically. The trucking industry wants a delay pending further analysis and has support from many state legislators. Industry leaders fear litigation and burdensome regulation if the fuel is labeled a potential killer, and they challenge the validity of studies linking diesel and cancer.
State law is clear.
But the currently available fixes are expensive and the law sets no timetable for action. The state needs to be honest about public health risks while thinking creatively about their solution. State officials should also be reasonable in setting the pace for required changes and provide incentives where possible to encourage retrofitting and the use of alternative fuels. Click here to post a public comment on the Trash Talk Bulletin Board. Click here to send a private comment to the Junkman.