Some of the first private fleet operators to get funding from an innovative program to push truck owners to get cleaner-burning engines are recommending that other truck owners take advantage of the financial incentives.

The $70 million Sacramento Emergency Clean Air Transportation program offers area truck owners cash incentives to change out their old, high-polluting diesel engines with newer ones certified to run anywhere from 20 percent to 50 percent cleaner. The program is designed to help the region meet its 2002 deadline to demonstrate that transportation and air quality goals are on track, and to meet the region's 2005 clean air deadline to reduce ozone pollution.
The program began three months ago. Projects approved so far include $18.67 million for replacing 102 diesel engines in 35 private fleets, as well as 211 vehicles at nine transit and public works fleets in the region. Most private fleets in the program are replacing old diesel engines with newer ones that meet stricter emissions regulations. Public fleets are switching to natural gas and propane.
"I sent four other truckers over," said Bud Petersen, owner-operator of Petersen Trucking in Placerville. "This is a heck of a deal and it helps the air."
Ray Hamilton of Blain Stumpf Trucking in Shingle Springs also thinks more truckers should get into the program. "The application takes about five minutes, and (the staff) got back to me right away, in two or three days. Our air quality is horrible. You cross the hill at noon and you can see that Sacramento has a big problem."
For more information, visit the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District at www.airquality.org.