In California: New diesel truck filters linked to fires, explosions, but officials unbudged

◼ Violent explosions, deadly truck fires and devastated small businesses may have stemmed from environmental regulations based on a flawed study; one led by researchers accused of faking their credentials and ignoring serious conflicts of interest. - ETHAN BARTON/Watchdog Reporter/Washington Examiner

Special filters intended to decrease emissions by diesel trucks of particulate matter 2.5 are required by the California Air Resources Board to be equipped on all diesel trucks that operate in California. If the filters are judged to be successful in decreasing air pollution, some observers worry that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will encourage more states to mandate their use.

Such encouragement from EPA would come despite litigation charging that the filters endanger drivers and others with extremely high-temperature fires, significant economic losses, and doubts about the device's effectiveness in reducing harmful emssions....

"California, for whatever reason, has decided that they can pass whatever regulations they want," said owner of Old Durham Wood, a trucking company, Randy McLaughlin.

Older trucks, which will eventually be banned from operating anywhere in the state unless equipped with the filter, must have filters installed, while engines built after 2009 nationwide come with a device as standard equipment.By 2023, only engines from 2010 and on will be allowed to operate on California roads and highways.

Because of problems with both types of filters, the Alliance for California Business, which represents small businesses in the Golden State, filed suit against the board.