This is just a weasel way to kill diesel tractors, which is fine by me if they do it in California because they buy them all up at auctions and truck them back to California to use in such applications. The out of state buyers here in Wisconsin cause the inventory of used tractors to be way overpriced.
In dairy the average farm hires three mexicans for every one skidsteer. The machines run 24/7.
AFWIW, Jet A (basically diesel) accounts for over 65% of all kerosene/diesel/Jet A used in vehicles. If anyone wants to dent Diesel or soot emmissions, go kick Linda Daschles pet airlines for a reality check. At most carriers running at 40% capacity average, we could kill 50% of all air traffic and save the world. But that's not good, our gubmint sells those routes to feed the beast. The airlines might want their money back and they would find good cause to stop servicing cities like Pierre and Sioux City. But think how much clearer the skies will be?
Not sure I know what you are saying there. These are jobs the americans won't do?
IMHO, a sensible alternative would be to construct electrically powered mass-transit (such as high-speed rail and Maglev) in our nation's most densely populated regions and urban areas. Such infrastructure would be competitive for trips roughly between 100~450, reducing both inefficient short-hop air travel as well as some automobile travel.
It's not a panacea, but would be a sensible step towards reducing our transportation infrastructures dependency on petroleum. Of course, such a solution would require an increase in our electrical generating capacity. Nuclear power would be a suitable source.