The CARB Truck Rule still kicks off in 2011, but most bobtails can wait until 2014-2020 to comply.

CARB listened to CMSA and its allied associations last December by granting some delay to the Truck and Bus Rule.  The Board directed its staff to amend the Truck and Bus Rule to provide truck fleets more flexibility in cleaning up their diesel emissions. This article outlines those changes.

How do California’s rules apply to California-based and out-of-state fleets?

Diesel trucks and buses greater than 14,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that are domiciled in California or enter California are required to meet the statewide Truck & Bus Rule requiring 2010 engine emissions level by 2023 at the latest.  The Rule became law in California on January 8, 2010, and was modified on December 17, 2010, as described herein.  The California Air Resource Board (CARB) is not required to conduct future meetings to enable it to enforce the Rule and no further rule changes are proposed.  Fleets must evaluate and comply with the relevant compliance options below:

· Collect detailed truck and engine data and make an initial report to CARB by Janu- ary 31, 2012, if they choose to phase in or take any of the compli- ance extension or cred-its allowed under the Rule;

· Comply with a new rule requiring aerodynamic up grades on 53-foot box-type trailers and the tractors that pull affected trailers; and

· Comply with a five-minute idling limit.

 What is the new compliance schedule proposed by CARB staff?

The Rule draws a bright line at 26,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).  Affected vehicles from 14,001 lbs. GVWR up to and including 26,000 lbs. GVWR have one option to comply between 2014 and 2023. Vehicles greater than 26,000 lbs GVWR have two options: 1) Best Available Control Technology “BACT” or 2) the phase-in method.

Lighter Trucks: 14,001 lbs. GVWR up to and including 26,000 lbs GVWR
This is a retirement schedule determined by engine model year. All vehicles are required to be retired by January 1 of the years in the table on page 1. Only 2010 engines are legal after January 1, 2023.

Vehicles Greater than 26,000 lbs. GVWR Compliance Schedule by Engine Model Year (Fleets of 4 or more)
This schedule is the first of two options for Class 7 and 8 trucks and buses. All engines in the1996 to 2006 model years must be retired or retrofitted with a diesel particulate filter between 2011 and 2014, with the 1996-99 engines completed by 2012.

A “retrofit” truck may operate for eight years after the retrofit.

Only 2010 engines are legal after January 1, 2023.

Vehicles Greater than 26,000 lbs. GVWR Phase-In Compliance Schedule (Fleets of 4 or more)
This schedule is the second of two options for Class 7 and 8 trucks and buses. This schedule requires the fleet owner to establish a baseline (either 2006 or 2011) and achieving at least 30 percent compliance each year from 2011 through 2013. The final 10 percent is completed by 2016.
Credits for fleet downsizing or 2007 to 2009 engines can be applied. Only 2010 engines are legal after January 1, 2023. Annual reporting to CARB is mandatory.

 What about small fleets?
CARB approved a delayed start date for fleets of three or fewer diesel trucks more than 14,000 lbs. GVWR, provided the owner reports in 2012. The one-to-three truck owner must retrofit or replace one truck by January 1, 2014; a second truck (if applicable) by 2015; and a third truck by 2015 (if applicable).

Specific questions on this item may be directed to Sean Edgar either by phone at 916-718-7050 or by email at Sean@CleanFleets.net.