U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder, who yesterday heard the complaint by the American Trucker's Association against the new "Clean Trucks" program at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, appears to be leaning towards the ports according to a report in today's Los Angeles Times.

After a 40-minute hearing, U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder said she would probably allow the program to move forward, despite objections from truckers.

"The balance of hardships and the public interest tip decidedly in favor of denying the injunction," she said in court.

Naturally, we're not out of the woods yet.  ATA Spokesman Clayton Boyce is already telling reporters the association will file an appeal.  If not overturned, the ports' plan would disallow any trucks built before 1989 to enter either port on October 1 of this year.  The ban could reduce truck emissions in the areas surrounding the ports by as much as 80%.

Photo: Swerve 3030/Flick