10/2/08-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill into law that taps on truckers and others to help reduce pollution.
State law now authorizes air pollution control districts and air quality management districts to levy a fee of up to $2 on motor vehicle registrations. The fee can be increased up to $6 if certain conditions are met.
The new law, previously AB2522, authorizes the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District to increase the fee to as much as $30. The revenue would be used to develop “incentive-based programs” to achieve state and federal air quality standards.
It also requires at least $10 million of the revenue generated to be used to lessen air pollution in “disproportionately impacted” communities in the San Joaquin Valley.
According to an analysis of the bill, programs that will be supported by revenue from the fees will focus on modernizing the fleets of passenger vehicles and light- and heavy-duty trucks.
In an effort to reduce air pollution from vehicles, the new law also authorizes the San Joaquin Valley district to adopt rules and regulations to reduce vehicle trips.

8/28/08-The Senate voted 21-17 to approve a bill that would tap on truckers and others to help reduce pollution. The bill’s next stop is Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk because the Assembly already voted in favor of it.
State law now authorizes air pollution control districts and air quality management districts to levy a fee of up to $2 on motor vehicle registrations. The fee can be increased up to $6 if certain conditions are met.
Sponsored by Assemblyman Juan Arambula, D-Fresno, AB2522 would authorize the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District to increase the fee to as much as $30. The revenue would be used to develop “incentive-based programs to achieve surplus emissions reductions.”
The state would be required to assess the use of these fees in meeting and maintaining state and federal ambient air quality standards.
According to an analysis of the bill, programs that would be supported by revenue from the fees would focus on modernizing the fleets of passenger vehicles and light- and heavy-duty trucks.
In an effort to reduce air pollution from vehicles, the measure also would authorize the San Joaquin Valley district to adopt rules and regulations to reduce vehicle trips.
For bill status, call (916) 319-2856.

7/16/08-A bill awaiting a final vote on the Senate floor that would tap on truckers and other drivers to help reduce pollution. The Assembly already approved it.
State law now authorizes air pollution control districts and air quality management districts to levy a fee of up to $2 on motor vehicle registrations. The fee can be increased up to $6 if certain conditions are met.
Sponsored by Assemblyman Juan Arambula, D-Fresno, AB2522 would authorize the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District to increase the fee to as much as $30. The revenue would be used to develop “incentive-based programs to achieve surplus emissions reductions.”
The state would be required to assess the use of these fees in meeting and maintaining state and federal ambient air quality standards.
According to an analysis of the bill, programs that would be supported by revenue from the fees would focus on modernizing the fleets of passenger vehicles and light- and heavy-duty trucks.
In an effort to reduce air pollution from vehicles, the measure also would authorize the San Joaquin Valley district to adopt rules and regulations to reduce vehicle trips.
For bill status, call (916) 319-2856.