Green policies may improve trucker health

Truck drivers spend the majority of their time in and around large vehicles, which may emit hazardous fumes and exhaust. Fortunately, several state legislatures are passing laws that are intended to make this industry more environmentally conscious.

On January 1, the Clean Truck Program at the Port of Seattle went into effect. This rule - which is similar to those of other ports on the West Coast - forbids entry to trucks that are more than 17 years old, according to Today's Trucking. This initiative is part of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, and is intended to decrease emissions. 

Furthermore, large commercial vehicles that enter the port are now required to register with its Drayage Truck Registry, and indicate that they have done so by displaying a green sticker on the driver's side door. 

Similar regulations have been met with disgruntlement from members of the trucking industry. In Los Angeles, for example, some drivers who once owned now-illegal trucks have been forced to rent greener vehicles, which can cost up to 50 percent more to maintain, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Despite these complaints, air quality has significantly improved since the regulation's inception, city officials told the news source. 

Green policies may improve trucker health

Thursday, January 6th, 2011