A group of truckers are threatening to sue the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma for not enforcing new clean air laws.
Back in 2007, the ports of Seattle and Tacoma launched the The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, which required all trucks that operate in the ports to have a 2007 or newer model engine by January 1st, 2018.
As a result, many drivers who regularly use the ports were forced to modify their trucks, or purchase brand new ones, in order to get into compliance before the upcoming deadline.
Now, with the deadline just weeks away, the ports have announced that they’re considering delaying the enforcement of the rules, angering those drivers who’ve spent significant sums of money to get compliant.
As a result, a group of at least 10 trucking company owners say they plan to sue the ports for failing to enforce the rules.
Rob Graham, a local trucking company owner who upgraded his fleet in order to comply with the new rules, says he gets less fuel efficiency now and constantly has issues with the vehicles.
“You get less fuel efficiency now because of all the emissions stuff,” said Graham. “These trucks live, literally live, in the shop. So it’s a ton of money.”
“Clean air was important then, but it’s not important now. I think they should enforce the mandate,” he added.
The port says they’re considering the delay because an estimated 50% of drivers who use the port have yet to update to new, compliant engines.
According to local Kiro 7 news, many of the drivers who haven’t yet upgraded are “immigrants who haven’t earned enough to buy the new engines.”
The port commissioners will make their final decision on whether to enforce or delay the new rules early next year.