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The latest attempt to curb diesel emissions by construction equipment in the Portland area would represent a 鈥済ut punch鈥� to the industry, according to John Rakowitz, a lobbyist for Associated General Contractors‘ Oregon-Columbia chapter.

Senate Bill 1008 has several provisions, but the one that’s the biggest point of contention for builders in Oregon would disallow the addition of construction equipment manufactured prior to 2007.
The federal Clean Air Act pre-empts states from creating their own air quality program unless they write a law like California’s. But Rakowitz聽said the Beaver State’s air quality issues aren’t nearly as significant as those in the Golden State. He said no part of Oregon is in non-attainment with the Environmental Protection Agency 鈥� unlike California.

鈥淲e’re not sure 鈥� what problem are they trying to address with this?鈥� Rakowitz said.

SB 1008 would exempt the agriculture and forestry industries, also another provision of the California law. For now, it would only apply to the Portland area.

Chief sponsor Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, said the air quality problem is in Portland, and construction equipment is a big part of it.

鈥淎g isn’t where the problem is,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o be honest, construction equipment out in the rural part of the state is not where the problem is. The major problem is in the Portland-metro area.鈥�

A similar bill failed in the previous state legislative session, due in part to the strength of the coalition opposing it. This time around, Dembrow said, the bill focuses more on construction equipment to reduce opposition.

鈥淲e’re limiting the impact,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e’re trying to say, you can’t add dirty vehicles in the Portland area.鈥�

The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee and has yet to be voted on.