California Continues Efforts To Phase Out Diesel-Powered Big Rigs

California families and trucking companies are facing frustrations and obstacles as state officials pursue an aggressive and controversial mandate to clean the air by phasing out diesel-powered big rigs and other trucks. Diesel trucks are among the state’s biggest sources of microscopic particles of soot, which can damage lungs and trigger asthma attacks and heart attacks. California’s mandate is in flux because it still needs a federal waiver before it can start enforcement. In the meantime, vulnerable residents who live near roads with heavy diesel truck traffic are waiting for a solution and companies trying to follow the mandate are swallowing high operating costs and competing with cheaper diesel-only businesses in an already struggling industry.