Opinion: More climate legislation, accountability is

We need answers about trucks’ emission rules

Re “Truck makers pledge to comply with new California rules phasing out gas-powered vehicles” (July 7): I am hoping that The San Diego Union-Tribune can do some in-depth reporting on the zero emission regulations for trucks.

It seems like we should start preparing now for the increased demand for electricity to charge the truck batteries. What are the plans for zero emission power plants? We will need reliable electricity available day and night for the trucks. Are there plans to build nuclear power plants?

All trunk stops will have to be retrofitted, and a way to quickly charge trucks or swap battery packs will have to be implemented. What is the plan for that?

What will be the costs to trucking companies? Will the range between charging be reduced from current refueling ranges? Will trucking companies pass on costs to consumers?

If the regulation becomes too burdensome for truckers, they will simply drive a few hundred miles east and work there. How do we keep them here?

How do we handle trucks from Mexico and out of state that won’t be zero emission?

Hopefully the air board did research, talked with relevant experts and knows the answers. We need the answers now so we can get the power plants and truck stops online and ready.

Andrew Lukes
Rancho Bernardo

Time to take action on climate accountability

The Union-Tribune is great about reporting climate change news and opinions. However, many readers may not understand their role in making real change. We are told to recycle, compost, buy electric, eat less meat, etc., all helpful, but the strongest lever of change is legislation.

We have everything we need to make a fast and just transition to clean energy, except political will. Whose will? Your will, the citizen’s.

We subsidize carbon producers, direct or indirect, by not insisting that they pay the true cost of their planet warming emissions, all of which will involve your health and well-being, probably soon, maybe already. It’s time to speak up and support bills for corporate climate accountability. You might start by calling your California assembly member in the next two weeks. Ask them to vote for Senate Bill 583 and Senate Bill 261, which require large businesses to report emissions and financial risk related to climate.

Katharine Harrison
Ridgeview