LA Approves Clean-Trucks.(Los Angeles, California)(Brief article)

BYLINE: Bill Mongelluzzo

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved the port's clean-trucks program, including the controversial employee-driver provision.     In Los Angeles, the city council must approve harbor commission actions in order for those decisions to take effect.

Under the Los Angeles plan, only licensed motor carriers can apply for a concession to operate in the harbor. The concession arrangement will phase-in a requirement that motor carriers use employee drivers.

The employee-driver mandate, which is supported by the Teamsters union, is opposed by trucking interests and beneficial cargo owners and is likely …