Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New Law Aims to Make CARB More Transparent

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week signed into law a measure to make the California Air Resource Board's enforcement efforts more transparent

by Staff
October 4, 2010
2 min to read


California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week signed into law a measure to make the California Air Resource Board's enforcement efforts more transparent.


With the exception of a formal penalty policy, which CARB is required to publish by March 1, 2011, SB1402 takes effect immediately. The new rules will require CARB to:

* provide a clear explanation of how penalties are assessed on a per-unit basis,

* develop a written, consistent penalty policy that ensures the largest penalties are imposed on serious violations that adversely impact air quality (due March 2011), and

* report those penalties to the Legislature annually..

Senator Dutton, the incoming Republican Senate leader who drafted and sponsored the legislation, stated, "CARB holds businesses accountable when they violate the California regulations they oversee. The problem is that there was nothing that held CARB accountable in how the penalties were determined or the reason for the violation. This important piece of legislation is a significant step in the right direction in showing the business community that the State of California is willing to work with them."

The agency, however, had said it already does what the law requires, working closely with companies to explain fines.

CARB is charged with attaining and maintaining air quality standards in the State of California, which includes the enforcement of air quality standards. Critics said it wasn't clear whether and how CARB applies criteria or policies when it assesses penalties. Proponents of the bill said this resulted in a subjective, ad hoc enforcement program that did not clearly or consistently distinguish serious violations that harm air quality from minor administrative glitches.

The bill was pushed by Californians for Enforcement Reform and Transparency, which includes trucking-related groups such as the California Dump Truck Owner Association and the Moving and Storage Association along with a number of manufacturer associations and other groups.

More Drivers

Artist rendering of dealership with trucks and trailers parked outside
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 2, 2026

Prime Inc. to Open $7.9M Flagship Used-Truck Dealership

A new driver-focused facility to sell Prime Inc's used trucks and trailers will be the first purpose-built location in the company's history.

Read More →
Thumbnail for podcast episode
Safety & ComplianceMay 28, 2026

Short Takes: Inside K&B’s Truck Safety Tech

Listen to learn how K&B Transportation uses cellphone-blocking technology, speed management systems, weather geofencing, bridge avoidance tools, and more to improve driver safety.

Read More →
Nussbaum driver pay.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 27, 2026

Nussbaum Expands Driver Compensation with Pay Raises, Profit Sharing

Nussbaum Transportation said its latest compensation package could push first-year driver earnings above $90,000 in key hiring markets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Lance Evans, Director of Safety at K&B Transportation.
Safety & ComplianceMay 13, 2026

Listen: Inside Modern Fleet Safety: AI, Cameras & Speed Control at K&B Transportation

Fleet safety is evolving fast—and technology is at the center of it. Learn how a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.

Read More →
Maverick Transportation Freightliner Cascadia.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 12, 2026

Maverick Announces 2026 Driver Pay Raises

New raises for Maverick Transportation drivers will take effect on May 31, 2026.

Read More →
Alleged Ohio toll evasion truck.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 5, 2026

Illinois Trucker Indicted for Nearly $22,000 in Ohio Turnpike Toll Evasion

Authorities say an Illinois trucker avoided paying tolls for two years, and now faces felony charges, possible prison time, and forfeiture of his Freightliner tractor.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with trojan horse and lock with inside of cargo container in background
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 23, 2026

New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems

Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.

Read More →
Female truck driver.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops

ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.

Read More →
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →