1. Environmentally economically
friendly state, poor decision
alifornia is known for being environmentally labor costs and cheaper production.
friendly and is considered a leader in Today, Patmont is still family-owned but was
environmentalism. However, one man believes the forced out of California to Nevada.
state’s drive to be in the forefront in that endeavor “The owner was heartbroken,” said Lassle.
will lead to its economic downfall. “The CARB fined them millions of dollars for air
Jeff Lassle, a Fallbrook resident and former pollution.”
Environmental Protection Agency scientist, Ironically, the scooter company is considered
believes that manufacturing companies both eco-friendly because it provides an alternative to
large and small are being forced out of California driving automobiles. The company also donates a
because environmental boards, like the California portion of its profit to the Arbor Day Foundation.
Air Resources Board (CARB) and the South Gregg Industries, an El Monte-based iron
Coast Air Quality District (SCAQD), have gone casting manufacturer in the industrial, automotive
overboard by creating regulations that have little and truck industry, also closed its doors recently
benefit to the environment. and laid off 600,000 employees because it could
One such company forced out of California not pay the fines that piled against them after the
after being fined millions of dollars was Patmont SCAQD detected an “untraceable smell” in their
Motor Werks, manufacturers of the small general area.
motorized GoPed scooter. California’s forest products and furniture
Andrea Verdin Patmont, a small, family-owned business industries are next to be affected by the actions of
STAFF WRITER company based out of Pleasanton, had prided itself California’s environmental leaders, Lassle said.
Paul Gallaher on being a company that had not moved overseas At an April 24 meeting in Reno, NV, California
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER to produce its products to take advantage of low Senate and Assembly members conducted
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