An estimated 2.2 billion U.S. dollars could be saved on medical costs if a plan to reduce diesel emissions from cargo-hauling big rigs at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach was implemented, a report released on Thursday said.
The plan could also generate 4.2 billion dollars in benefits for the local economy over the next five years, according to the report by the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy.
The report said 1.8 billion dollars would be generated from higher wages for truck drivers; and 225 million dollars would be saved on health care costs for uninsured drivers.
The California Trucking Association, however, questioned the report's conclusions about the possible benefits of the Clean Trucks Program, which aims to reduce emissions over the next five years by replacing or retrofitting 16,000 trucks that transport cargo at the ports.
"If approved, the Clean Truck Plan would displace thousands of independent owner-operators who currently operate at the ports and force smaller trucking companies out of business," the association said in a statement.
"In addition, the economic analysis report does not address the elimination of thousands of additional non-driver jobs at these companies and businesses that serve the industry," the statement said.
The alliance wants trucking companies to hire drivers as full-time employees, rather than independent contractors. A survey conducted by the trucking association found that 80 percent of drivers prefer to remain independent.
Representatives for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach declined to comment on the report's findings because their own studies of the plan are not complete.
The plan is expected to go before the Long Beach and Los Angeles harbor commissions next month.
Source: Xinhua
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