Unions, builders join to sink diesel reduction bill - By Evan Halper, Los Angeles
Industry groups fought the effort for months. They said the proposed requirements were burdensome at a time when state regulators had just enacted new rules that require companies to transition their entire fleets to cleaner-burning technology.
The companies have as long as 18 years to comply.
Late last week, those opponents were joined by unions representing construction workers. Soon after, support for the bill in the Legislature evaporated and its author, state Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), pulled the measure from consideration until next year.
Simitian expressed bewilderment at the union opposition.
"The group of Californians most adversely affected by dirty diesel are the people out there working on those job sites," he said. "I would think a proposal like this would be met with open arms."
Union officials called the measure a misguided effort that would have reduced jobs.