There are six primary regulations our members need to be informed about. Detailed information about all these regulations can be found at the CARB website: http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/diesel.htm
1. Statewide Truck and Bus Rule. This regulation will mandate that all diesel engines operating in California minimally comply with 2007 emissions standards by January 1, 2014 and comply with 2010 emissions standard by January 1, 2023. On January 1, 2014, all 2002 or older engines will be effectively banned from operating in California because there is no certified Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) solution for those engines to comply with the regulation. The 2003-2004 MY engines, equipped with a Particulate Matter (PM) filter, will be legal until January 1, 2016. The 2005-2006 MY engine is similarly equipped (with PM filter) and is legal until January 1, 2017. The 2007 MY engines (with PM filter) will be legal until January 1, 2021. The 2008 MY engines (with PM filter) will be legal until January 1, 2022 and 2009 MY engines (with PM filter) will be legal until January 1, 2023, at which time ALL engines must comply with 2010 emissions standard.
2. Transport Refrigeration Rule (TRU). This regulation begins enforcement on July 17, 2009 on all reefer unit engines of MY 2001 and older. Each following calendar year, the next MY year of TRU engine falls under regulation. For example, in 2010, the TRU engine MY 2002 will need to comply.
3. Green House Gas Rule (GHG or Smartway Regulation). This regulation is primarily for long haul truckers and only affects them if pulling a 53’ or longer van or reefer style trailer. The rule takes best practices to reduce fuel usage from the EPA Smartway program and applies it to tractors and trailers. Requirements under this rule will include things such as aerodynamic devices such as air fairings, side skirting, and “boat tails” on trailers and requirements for Super Single tires. Implementation dates for this rule begin as early as January 1, 2010.
4. Statewide Idle regulation. Like many jurisdictions, California now bans idling of any diesel fueled engine for more than 5 minutes.
5. Drayage Truck Rule. All trucks entering marine port facilities or rail yard facilities in California must meet more stringent emissions regulations than outlined in the Statewide Truck and Bus Rule. The first effective date of enforcement is December 31, 2009. All 1993 or older MY engines are banned entirely. 1994-2003 are permissible if they have been modified with a PM filter.
6. Heavy-Duty Diesel Emission Control Label (ECL) Inspection program. This regulation mandates that an engine MUST have its ECL on the engine. Failure to comply can lead to being assessed a fine well into the “hundreds” of dollars.