Which Way, L.A.?
The High Price of Environmental Cleanup and Homeland Security
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are about to require that trucks meet EPA standards, cutting 50% of their diesel pollution overnight. But drivers that make 30,000 a year will have to buy new trucks and they'll also be subject to criminal background checks. After October 1, there may not be enough drivers to handle 15 million cargo containers a year—half of all America's imports.
By Warren Olney • • 30m ListenThe ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are about to require that trucks meet EPA standards, cutting 50% of their diesel pollution overnight. But drivers that make 30,000 a year will have to buy new trucks and they'll also be subject to criminal background checks. After October 1, there may not be enough drivers to handle 15 million cargo containers a year—half of all America's imports.
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2 storiesSchwarzenegger Suggests Raising Taxes
State employees will be paid in full for the month of August, and a local judge will hear challenges to Governor Schwarzenegger's order to drop their pay to the minimum wage until the legislature passes a budget. But the hearing won't be until next month after the full checks have already been issued.
Read the story4 minCleaner Trucks at the Ports
The ports of LA and Long Beach handle half of all America's imports from overseas. Together, they are a principal economic engine for Southern California. But they're also a major polluter and a menace to public health, causing significant illness and premature deaths.
Read the story20 min
