CARB Board Approves Modifications to Off-Road Equipment Regulation to Include Credits for Reduced Activity and Fleet Size Reductions
On July 23, 2009 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved changes to the in-use off-road diesel-fueled equipment regulation. These changes could have an impact on your fleet.
The approved amendments incorporate legislatively directed changes resulting from the approval of AB 8 2X in February 2009. Contractors and fleet owners that have reduced overall fleet horsepower will receive NOx and PM credit to be used toward retrofit and equipment turnover requirements. These credits do not expire. Large fleets (greater than 5,000 h.p.) can also receive temporary relief in 2010 and 2011 for reduced activity due to downsizing or work slowdowns. Additional changes also allow fleets to delay a portion of their compliance obligations for 2011 and 2012 until 2013.
The CARB Board also approved new incentives for retrofit installations and repowers. These incentives allow fleets to claim an exemption for up to 15 percent of their total horsepower (hp) from future turnover if they install a retrofit prior to March 1, 2011; allow fleets to claim double credit for NOx retrofits installed by March 1, 2011; allow medium and small fleets to claim double credit for PM retrofits installed by March 1, 2012; and allow fleets to accumulate NOx carryover turnover credit for early repowers installed, regardless of the total amount of fleet horsepower that is repowered.
Initial reporting of equipment by large, medium and small fleets were due April 1, 2009, June 1, 2009 and August 1, 2009 respectively. The information gathered during the initial reporting will establish the number and type of equipment in the state, providing a basis for CARB staff to report to its Board on the effects of the legislatively required changes and the economic downturn are expected to have on emissions. This report will be made in December 2009 along with an update on the availability of retrofit technologies required in the regulation. Another update will be provided to the board in July 2010.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Off-Road Regulation, as they become available.