Agricultural burning is a practice that began in 1859 but will come to an end on January 1, 2025 after a unanimous decision by the California Air Resources Board Thursday. Former state Senator Dean Florez, D-Shafter (now a member of the air board), started the process over 17 years ago...
Audit Criticizes State Air Board for ‘Overstating’ Greenhouse Gas Cuts
An audit of California’s climate change program released Wednesday criticizes state officials for overestimating the benefits of its efforts to encourage Californians to drive cleaner vehicles. The state auditor warned that California may not meet its goal to cut greenhouse gases by 40% by 2030 if it doesn’t pick up...
Valley Petroleum Distributor Questions Governor’s Plan To Phase Out Gas Powered Cars
Governor Newsom announced Wednesday that California will phase out the sale of gasoline powered cars by 2035. “This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change,” said Governor Newsom. "Californians shouldn’t have to worry if our cars are giving our kids asthma." West Hills Oil...
Move to ‘Dump Dirty Diesel’ Trucks Latest Unrealistic Virtue Signaling by State Policymakers
California is now the first state to “dump dirty diesel” and require today’s rigs be replaced with “zero-emission trucks.” It’s a demand for far too much in return for nothing of value. The rule, issued June 25 by the Air Resources Board, forces “manufacturers to transition from diesel trucks and...
California Signs Deal With 4 Automakers to Raise Gas Mileage
DETROIT — Four major automakers have reached a deal with California to increase gas mileage and greenhouse gas emissions standards, bypassing the Trump administration's plan to freeze standards at 2021 levels. Ford, BMW, Honda, and Volkswagen are parties to the deal with the California Air Resources Board, which had been...
Crushing Tractors Is Fun. Breathing Clean Air Is Even Better.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District received $108 million from the state Legislature earlier this year to reduce agriculture industry emissions. The program is dubbed FARMER and it provides incentives for replacing old, high-polluting tractors and other ag equipment with newer and cleaner options. The incentives cover up...
With Criticism of Air Board Growing, Clovis Nominee Awaits OK
This winter brings with it poor air quality — and a renewed focus on the sprawling eight-county San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Dean Florez, a former Valley state lawmaker and current member of the California Air Resources Board, expressed frustration about air quality on Twitter recently. Other critics...
With Criticism of Air Board Growing, Clovis Nominee Awaits OK
This winter brings with it poor air quality — and a renewed focus on the sprawling eight-county San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Dean Florez, a former Valley state lawmaker and current member of the California Air Resources Board, expressed frustration about air quality on Twitter recently. Other critics...