SACRAMENTO - Assembly Member Hector De La Torre (D-South Gate) introduced legislation today that seeks to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions by requiring cleaner diesel engines on rail yard equipment at rail yards in the South Coast Air Basin.

Assembly Bill 888 would require mobile compression ignition (CI) diesel engines operating at rail yards to be retrofitted or capable of using alternative fuel. This would include yard-goats, hostlers, cranes, fork lifts and other equipment primarily fueled with diesel fuel.

"The pollution from the rail yards are damaging the health of the families living in nearby communities," said Assembly Member De La Torre. "We have to take responsible measures that reduce this exposure and ensure these communities healthy lives."

The legislation was introduced in response to a health risk assessment study by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) of the Union Pacific J.R. Davis Rail Yard in Roseville. ARB found that the diesel PM emissions from locomotive operations at the rail yard were estimated to be about 25 tons in the year 2000. These elevated concentrations of diesel PM can contribute to an increased risk of cancer and premature deaths due to cardiovascular disease and non-cancer health effects such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

New technologies to reduce diesel particulate and ozone precursor emissions at rail yards are available and are cost-effective. Such emission reduction technologies include low sulfur diesel fuel, particulate matter traps, nitrous oxide (NOx) reduction catalysts, and emulsified diesel fuel.

AB 888 is sponsored by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Modesta Avila Coalition. AB 888 is expected to receive wide support from community and environmental organizations.