Crackdown on Illegal Diesel Engines

California air pollution regulators are frustrated with the failure of a voluntary plan promoted by the trucking industry.

So they imposed mandatory requirements Thursday to clean up illegal diesel engines.

Air quality groups hope California´s decision ripples across the country.

It applies to trucks licensed in other states that drive through California as well as state-licensed trucks.

It requires manufacturers to replace so-called “smog defeat” devices that bypassed emissions equipment in trucks, buses and recreational vehicles at highway speeds.

But the Engine Manufacturers Association says it may sue on behalf of its members, who believe they shouldn´t have to pay for diesel engine upgrades as required under the state Air Resources Board ruling.

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On the Net:

Air Resources Board: www.arb.ca.gov

Engine Manufacturers Association: www.enginemanufacturers.org