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California unveils latest versions of truck pollution regulations

The California Air Resources Board Friday unveiled its latest draft version of two regulations designed to reduce heavy truck pollution, one that would require diesel exhaust filter retrofits and the other that would require the use of EPA SmartWay-approved equipment.


The first proposed regulation will require truck owners to install diesel exhaust filters on their rigs starting in 2010, with nearly all vehicles upgraded by 2014. Owners must also turn over engines older than the 2010 equivalent according to a staggered implementation schedule between 2012 and 2022.


The second proposal would require long haul truckers to use EPA SmartWay-approved tires and aerodynamic devices. Under the proposed rules, beginning January 1, 2010, no 2011 or subsequent model year sleeper-cab heavy-duty tractor pulling a 53-foot or longer box-type trailer will be allowed to operate on a highway in California unless the tractor is a U.S. EPA SmartWay-certified tractor.


Also starting in 2010, no 2011 or subsequent model year HD tractor pulling a 53-foot or longer box-type trailer shall operate on a highway within California unless the tractor's tires are U.S. EPA SmartWay Approved Technologies. And starting in 2012, no HD tractor, regardless of model year, pulling a 53-foot or longer box-type trailer shall operate on a highway within California unless such tractor's tires are U.S. EPA SmartWay Approved Technologies.


The rules are expected to impact more than 400,000 trucks registered in the state, as well as about 500,000 out-of-state vehicles that do business in California, and over a half million trailers.


The state is offering truck owners more than a billion dollars in funding opportunities to help with the cost of the proposed diesel rule. Funding options include Carl Moyer grants, which are designated for early or surplus compliance with diesel regulations; Proposition 1B funds, for air quality improvements related to goods movement; and AB 118, which establishes a low-cost truck loan program to help pay for early compliance with the truck rule.


Diesel emissions are toxic, associated with cancer, and can also exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory ailments. The truck regulation is expected to save 9,400 lives between 2010 and 2025, and greatly reduce health care costs. These benefits have a value of $48 to $69 billion. The cost of installing the trailer greenhouse-gas-reducing technologies will be quickly paid back through lower fuel use.


CARB staff held dozens of workshops and met with hundreds of business owners and other stakeholders over the last 18 months. Flexible funding options exist and CARB says it is working to create more.



Without this regulation, California will not be able to meet U.S. EPA-mandated air quality standards and deadlines, and could subsequently lose billions of dollars in federal highway funding.



To provide flexibility, the diesel regulation is structured so that owners can choose from among three compliance options to meet regulation requirements. To better assist truckers, CARB is evaluating ways to integrate these programs so that truckers can get a grant and a loan at the same time, minimizing paperwork and significantly reducing the monthly payments for a new truck loan.


For more information on the Statewide Bus and Truck Regulation click here.


For more information on the Heavy Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measure (which would require the use of EPA SmartWay-approved equipment) click here.