Petaluma, Calif.-based Golden State Lumber has been fined $20,000 by the California Air Resources Board for failing to inspect its diesel trucks in accordance with the state's smoke emissions standards.


"Diesel particulate matter is a hazard to all Californians," said Jim Ryden, ARB enforcement chief. "By taking steps to reduce soot emissions, companies that operate in the state help clean the air."

As part of the penalty, Golden State Lumber employees responsible for compliance with the inspection program are required to attend diesel education courses and provide certificates of completion within one year. The company is also required to instruct vehicle operators to meet the state's idling regulations and upgrade the company's heavy-duty diesel engine software and control technology. In addition, Golden State must provide CARB with all smoke inspection records for the next four years and properly label engines to ensure compliance with the engine emissions certification program regulations.

The California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to mitigate various sources of pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technology, will receive $15,000 and the Peralta Community College District will get $5,000 from Golden State to fund diesel education courses around the state.