Federal Judge rejects case brought by the American Trucking Associations
The US port of Los Angeles will continue its Clean Truck Programme (CTP) after a federal judge rejected a case brought against the programme by the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
The ATA hoped CTP would be banned because it violated state law; they claimed the port was controlling rates. However, the judge said that the port was allowed to push through certain requirements under an exemption for market participants. It is understood the ATA will appeal the decision.
Geraldine Knatz, Executive Director, port of Los Angeles, said: “We are extremely pleased that our concession programme was upheld by the court ruling. “Our ability to have direct enforcement of the truck bans and other important features of our concession agreements with the trucking companies that call at the Port of Los Angeles thousands of times a day will help provide a safer and secure trucking system for the long term.” The CTP aims to reduce truck emissions in the port area by gradually cutting the use of older more polluting vehicles.
From 1 October 2008, all trucks entering Los Angeles port terminals were required to be registered and all pre-1989 trucks (similar to a pre-Euro1 standard) were banned. A fee is levied against trucks that do not meet 2007 EPA emissions standards and a federal Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) is required for all drivers.
The ATA initially filed the lawsuit against the port of Los Angeles in July 2008.
Source: Damian Brett, IFW News, 02 September 2010