CARB Sets Ambitious Pollution Reduction Plan

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he California Air Resources Board approved a plan Thursday to reduce air pollution caused by ports, rail lines and roads in the state, the San Jose Mercury-News reported.

CARB’s plan sets long-term goals and strategies to reduce emissions levels related to cargo transportation, the paper said. Diesel-related pollution would be reduced 85%.

Board Chairman Robert Sawyer said at a public meeting that the amount of goods entering the state was expected to triple in the next 15 years, and that now was the time to take action, the Mercury-News said.

CARB’s plan — estimated to cost $6 billion to $10 billion — would use combination of new regulations and business incentives to get shipping companies, railroads and trucking companies to adopt cleaner fuel, engines and procedures, the paper reported.

An official with the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association urged CARB to concentrate on market-based incentives to reduce ship pollution, the newspaper said.