CARB May Relax Compliance For Certain Fleet Types

A proposal by the staff of California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) would provide "lower-cost compliance options" for certain types of truck operations as the agency continues the rollout of its strict emission rules for "in-use heavy-duty diesel-fueled vehicles."

CARB has advised that its staff will present to the Board amendments that would "better ensure that the air-quality goals of the Truck and Bus Regulation are achieved by providing additional flexibility to fleets to enable compliance."

California’s existing Truck and Bus Regulation required that, effective 01/01/12, fleets "install starting PM (particulate-matter) filters for certain engine model years and to begin accelerating engine or vehicle replacement starting 01/01/15 for their heavier trucks...(and that) after 2014, fleets are required to phase in additional 2010 model year or newer engines such that, by 2023, all engines operating in California and subject to the regulation will be model year 2010 or newer."

The agency also noted that, under the current rule, there are "several compliance options for fleets to choose from, and some fleets may change compliance options from one year to the next."

CARB said that in developing the amendments to be discussed this week, its staff focused on three objectives:

Protecting emission reductions by providing lower-cost compliance options to small fleets, low-mileage fleets, and fleets that operate in rural areas with cleaner air
Creating new opportunities for fleets to access public incentive funds
Recognizing fleets that made early investments to comply

Aiming to "achieve these objectives and benefits," the CARB staff said it will propose amendments to the Truck and Bus regulation that include:

A longer phase-in period for PM requirements for trucks operated exclusively in certain rural areas that have made substantial progress towards cleaner air while continuing to ensure compliance with diesel-risk reduction program goals
Additional time and a lower-cost pathway for all small fleet owners to achieve compliance with PM requirements, while re-opening opportunities for these fleet owners to apply for and receive public incentive funding
A compliance pathway for owners currently unable to qualify for a loan to finance compliance
Adjusted (compliance) schedules for low-use vehicles, trucks used in certain vocations, and work trucks that travel fewer annual miles and are less competitive in obtaining incentive funding
Recognition of fleet owners that took action to comply by providing additional useable life for retrofit trucks and reducing near-term compliance obligations

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