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Pollution Reduction Fleet Rules Upheld in South Coast Basin of CA

Case Updates:

May 2, 2005

The greater Los Angeles area, known as the South Coast Basin, suffers from some of the most severe air pollution in our nation. The main culprit is pollution from cars and trucks, which blankets the region in smog and burdens local residents with asthma and numerous other serious health problems. To combat this severe pollution problem, the local Air Quality Management District adopted innovative pollution reduction rules that require the purchase of cleaner fuels and lower polluting vehicles. The rules require public and some private fleets to purchase alternative-fuel school buses, transit buses, trash trucks, street sweepers, and certain airport vehicles. Unfortunately, engine manufacturers filed a lawsuit trying to have the pollution controls overturned. After several years of ongoing litigation in which Sierra Club intervened in the case, including a trip to the Supreme Court, a new decision from the trial court holds that the pollution fleet rules are lawful and appropriate for the situation. This is a great victory along the way to cleaner air and healthier communities in the region.

Details and Documents:

Denial of Plaintiff's Motion
United States District Court, District of California