For a South Carolina port-based truck emissions reduction program it is full steam ahead.
“Launched as a result of the Navy Base Terminal permit process, the program requires trucks serving the container terminals to have engines manufactured in 1994 or later,” South Carolina Ports announced in a Nov. 1, 2013 press release. “Based on engine year rather than truck model year, the certification is designed with maximum flexibility for the trucking industry. Truck owners must enroll in the program … between November 1st, 2013 and January 1, 2014.”
The port-based Clean Truck Program in South Carolina joins a similar effort in California like the one in place at the Port of Long Beach, for example.
One interesting and also laudable aspect of the initiative in South Carolina is a hardship provision.
“A limited number of hardship registrations will be available on a first come, first serve basis for trucks who have called on terminals at least 52 times in the previous 52 weeks,” South Carolina Ports expressed.
“‘As truckers and residents of the Lowcountry, we seek to provide motor carrier service using the most fuel efficient and cleanest burning trucks possible,’ said Keith Johnson, President of the Charleston Motor Carriers Association,” as cited by South Carolina Ports in the release. “‘We support the Clean Truck Program and the opportunity it gives our members to upgrade their truck engines. This is a positive initiative both for our industry and for the environment.’”
Now imagine if this program transcends South Carolina port service thereby moving into mainstream trucking industry operations in the state and elsewhere.
The improvement in the air as a result of such a move would definitely be noticeable.
Here’s hoping.
– Alan Kandel