California Regulations

Every state is required to meet the National Ambient Air Quality standards per the authority of the Clean Air Act. Due to California's air quality, the state has adopted aggressive standards.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has legal authority to regulate air emissions in the state of California. CARB has identified diesel engines as a significant contributor to particulate matter (PM) and ozone emissions.

CARB's Diesel Risk Reduction Program has systematically addressed nearly every size and application of diesel powered equipment in the state in order to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and diesel particulate matter (PM).

The Regulation

The regulation imposes aggressive NOx and PM emissions reduction targets to any person or entity that sells, leases, owns, purchases, or operates any diesel fueled off-road compression ignited-powered equipment over 25 horsepower. Vehicles used for agriculture operations, awaiting sale, and non-commercial use are excluded.

Implementation

On July 26, 2007, CARB unanimously approved the regulation. While there are several groups planning legal challenges, no delays are expected.

Compliance for large fleets (>5,000 HP) begins 2010. Compliance for medium fleets (2,501-5,000 HP) begin 2013. Small fleet (<2,500 HP) compliance begins 2015. Customers can begin to apply credits for Best Available Control Technology (BACT) prior to March 1, 2009.

1. Applies to off-road mobile engines 25 HP+

2. "Off-Road" means cannot be registered or driven safely on-road

3. Exceptions include marine, recreational, combat/tactical support, agricultural, locomotives, port and Inter-modal rail yard equipment, and:
* Low-use less than 100 annual hours
* Emergency operations
* Dedicated snow removal
* Specialty vehicles

4. Vehicle idling limited to 5 consecutive minutes with exceptions:
* Machines in queue
* Safety inspections, etc.
* Will require a written policy

Fleet Sizes Defined

Small Fleet Definition:

Fleet horsepower less than or equal to 2,500
Must be a California small business or local municipality
Captive attainment area
Fleet Average Targets for Small Fleets – PM


Medium Fleet Definition:

Fleet horsepower 2,501 to 5,000
Fleet Average Targets for Medium Fleets – PM / NOx


Large Fleet Definition:

Privately-owned fleet with greater than 5,000 HP
Must include total vehicles under common ownership
All federal and state fleets
Fleet Average Targets for Large Fleets – PM / NOx


Frequently asked questions:

Q: When do I need to be in compliance?
A: Fleets must meet annual fleet average requirements by March 1.

Q: Does my fleet size need to remain constant?
A: Fleets can grow and shrink provided the averages are not exceeded.

Q: Is there help for smaller fleets?
A: Small and captive attainment area fleets subject to PM only.

Q: If I can’t get my fleet to meet the averages, what can I do to be in compliance?
A: If fleet average cannot be met Best Available Control Technology (BACT) must be applied.


Best Available Control Technology - BACT for NOxBefore 2015 requires 8% per year of fleet horsepower to be retired, or replaced or repowered with higher tier vehicle
10% after 2015
Start with lowest tiered engines
Vehicles re-designated as low-use count as turnover

Exemptions:

Vehicles less than 10 years old
Specialty vehicles
Vehicles retrofitted within last 6 years with highest VDECS
No turnover requirement until 2013 if all vehicles with Tier 0 engines have been turned over.



BACT for Particulate Matter (PM)Requires 20% of fleet horsepower to be etrofitted per year with highest level Verified Diesel Emission Control System (VDECS)
Tier 4 purchases count towards 20%
Exemptions:
Engines less than 5 years old
Vehicles retrofitted within last 6 years with highest VDECS
Engines that do not have a VDECS available
Installation of VDECS will impair safe operation




Note
Each vehicle in the fleet must be labeled in accordance with CARB specifications using CARB-issued ID number (enforcement)
Initial reporting of fleet information required 4/1/09 (large), 6/1/09 (medium) and 8/1/09 (small)
Records must be retained until vehicle retired and for overall fleet as long as the owner has a fleet
Manufacturer’s delays – if ordered 6 months before compliance date
Rental equipment rented for over year provision
Credits for early actions