As I sat down with the mission of writing this month’s column, I found myself being continually distracted by the ringing phone. Not unusual being that it is one of the first workdays in a summer month in what has become the longest peak season ever. There is never a shortage of issues to address from members and consumers and not everyone is pleased with their situation. On rare occasions, it can feel like the water is getting pretty deep. It was in one of these moments when I took another call and the member on the other line seemed to understand that today had been a day for me. He had his own issue but took a few moments to get me back on the right track. Thank you. You don’t have to spend much time with CMSA members to understand that those one-on-one relationships forged by our common issues and histories is the best part of our Association and what makes the CMSA number one.

This issue of the Communicator includes a copy of the current California Air Resources Board (CARB) Truck and Bus Regulation worksheets. As we begin the process of advocacy and education related to the next phase of regulation, 100% Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) by 2045, there are many items of serious concern. For example, how can we be required to make the huge leap of faith (at a tremendous cost) of implementing a ZEV fleet when the current electric grid is challenged to service already existing demand? Please don't forget that many vocational trucking uses, like moving, are seasonal, with the peak occurring at exactly the same time that the current electric capacity is frequently at a breaking point. We are fighting an uphill battle in direct opposition to the political climate in our state. But like the Truck and Bus rule, where we had some significant success, we will continue to fight, working for further delays and separation of vocational trucking.

Let me add one more point about the CARB. Anyone who rode a stingray bike around the metropolitan areas of California in the 1960’s and 70’s (just thinking about it makes my lungs burn) knows that CARB has accomplished a lot over their first 50 years. In 1967, there were 186 smog alerts in California by 2019 there were 0. We have also seen a 90% cut in black carbon since 1967. Anyone who cares about our planet, or their family should celebrate this accomplishment.

But here’s the issue, those results were achieved by changes to the fuel and requiring manufactures to use new technology in future models of cars and light trucks. The new CARB model as seen in the Truck and Bus Regulations is far different. Focused on the forced retirement of working equipment purchased with no expectation of an early expiration date rather that the attrition-based implementation of new technology. Because the focus of regulation has been on the politically smaller community of commercial trucks and not cars, “I don’t own a truck” the political pushback has been more manageable for CARB and the political class.

September is quickly approaching, and Chairman Chipman and I will be visiting Twin Counties, San Diego, and Orange County chapter meetings early in the month. We definitely hope to see you there!

August 2021 - CMSA Communicator