Air Resources Board Weighing Climate Plans

"A report from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office was critical of the estimate (for the climate protection plan), stating that the evaluation of costs and benefits of some measures is 'inconsistent and incomplete.'"

"Republican lawmakers also have called for delaying this week's vote until the issues raised in the legislative analyst's report and a separate peer review are addressed.

Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the air board, acknowledged Tuesday that other studies on the cost of the plan show a slight economic loss."

"Money also is at the crux of the debate over the new diesel regulations for trucks and buses.

If approved, the rules would require every owner of a heavy-duty diesel truck operating in the state to retrofit or replace the vehicles starting in 2010, even if they are registered in another state or country."

Thanks to Bill Magavern