California’s heavy regulations crush truckers’ move to zero-emission big rigs | Opinion

Clean-truck regulations are too hard to meet

California Air Resources Board Member Dean Florez writes that California has designed flawed air quality rules that have failed to “put affordability at the center of the clean-air fight.”

He emphasizes the need for a more sensible approach to transitioning the trucking industry to zero-emission trucks, and he deserves praise for this. Unfortunately, Florez does not extend his criticism to the state’s Advanced Clean Trucks and Omnibus rules, which have an even greater impact on small businesses and the working families that depend on them.

Truck manufacturers are not producing heavy-duty electric trucks that meet basic performance and safety standards. The regulations are so burdensome that sales of new, low-emission trucks are nearly non-existent, creating a catch-22 for trucking and towing companies. This situation significantly impacts family-run trucking businesses, affecting their ability to transport products and provide essential services that consumers need. This is why other states that once viewed California’s clean truck rules as a national model are abandoning them.

If Gov. Newsom is serious about affordability and economic survival, the first step is to listen to sensible regulators like Dean Florez.

Ryan Ormonde, Firebaugh

Democrats are no better than Trump

The unjust, destructive laws President Trump is pushing prove unquestionably he is the classic bully, racist and thug. Yet, I must declare, how dare Kamala Harris criticize him for the ills of this country.

Democrats have been riding Republicans’ coattails and following their policies shamelessly over the years. They lacked the guts to even stop the appointments of government members with questionable principles and track records.

Former President Carter did incredible hard work to unveil egregious ethnic cleansing in Palestine, and Democrats slapped him in the face by ignoring him; and went on to stab him in the back by giving billions of dollars to Israel for their genocide/holocaust, killing thousands of Palestinians, children and women and shamelessly starving them.

It is time for Democrats to get out of government and let the Green Party run this country — with real justice and progressive policies to unite this country, instead of dividing it with racism, bullying and thuggery, with legislators maliciously pushing the use of nuclear weapons.

Again, Democrats are no better than Trump.

I agree with St. Paul when he said: “Some, by rejecting conscience, have made a shipwreck of their faith.” I say, “Yes, and our country.”

Jovita A. Harrah, Fresno

Gratitude for Liberty Elementary’s staff

My youngest child graduates Liberty Elementary in Fresno this next month, and as I reflect back on our family’s experience at that school with those educators, I can’t help but be filled with gratitude and love.

It is something special and lucky as a parent to be able to drop your kids off at their public school and know for certainty they are in good hands. The atmosphere and culture Liberty has produced is one of community, academic excellence and self-betterment.

Our family went through quite a bit personally during the past nine years we spent at the school. Looking back, I found Liberty to be a safe haven for me as a parent to socialize, make friends and improve our community. It was also a safe haven for my children.

Of course, nothing is perfect, and there were at times bumps along the way, but Liberty is a great example of what public school in this great country can really be at its best. The leadership of its principal George Petersen and other incredible educators there, along with the parents, prove it takes a village. It takes the whole damn village.

Lucy Brown, Fresno

Republicans in Congress make Valley air dirty again

On May 1, the House, under the Congressional Review Act, blocked approval of the Clean Air Act. This prevents California from fully implementing laws related to clean air, including the Advanced Clean Cars II legislation.

Before catalytic converters were mandated, smog choked California cities, contributing to the highest asthma rates in the country. The inversion layer blanketing Los Angeles and Fresno could be seen for miles, fed by factories and gasoline-burning cars. In the 1950s and ‘60s, pollution control laws required car manufacturers to curb tailpipe emissions. Air quality improved but not enough, especially for those who live near highways or in valleys like ours.

The Advanced Clean Cars II regulations tackle this by limiting gasoline vehicle sales, requiring zero-emission cars and trucks by 2035. This twofold approach, accessibility and reduced manufacturing, helps California transition from smog to a cleaner, zero-emission future.

Given the threat of climate change, promising more heat waves and hindering air circulation along California’s coast, blocking these regulations could worsen pollution and decrease public health. Californians have never known snow days in the Valley, but we will continue knowing smog days if the House dictates how our legislation is implemented.

Carlos Garcia, Fresno

Unfair judgment of Misty Her

Misty Her of the Fresno Unified School District recently became the first Hmong superintendent in California’s history. I anticipated the unfair criticism she’d encounter; I was not wrong.

Some public officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the selection, despite Her’s extensive experience.

Studies have consistently shown that women of color face compounded biases and get held to higher standards than their white male counterparts. Women of color report a lack of trust and respect from colleagues and face racism and gender bias at higher rates than others.

Prior FUSD superintendents have received near unanimous support. I believe it is important for us to name this treatment in order to avoid repeating it.

I choose not to ignore this double standard. Many in Fresno support Superintendent Her and eagerly await her inclusive and equitable leadership. Her appointment is a signal of progress for our communities of color, reflecting how they can rise up.

There are talented women-of-color educators in Fresno County. They are watching someone they have never met but admire suffer unfair treatment during a time that should be joyous. They see Her standing tall and firm. In five, 10, 15 years I know they can do the same, I just don’t think they should have to.

Diego Ochoa, Sacramento