CARB adopts two diesel regulations

The California Air Resources Board adopted two regulations on Dec. 12 aimed at cleaning up harmful emissions from the estimated 1 million heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in California. Beginning Jan. 1, 2011, the Statewide Truck and Bus rule will require truck owners to install diesel exhaust filters on their rigs, with nearly all vehicles upgraded by 2014. Owners must also replace engines older than the 2010 model year according to a staggered implementation schedule that extends from 2012 to 2022. Also adopted, the Heavy Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction measure requires long-haul truckers to install fuel-efficient tires and aerodynamic devices on their trailers that lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy. To help truck owners upgrade their vehicles, the state is offering more than a billion dollars in funding opportunities. To provide flexibility, the diesel regulation is structured so that owners can choose from among three compliance options to meet regulation requirements.