The road to a compliant fleet

Jan. 7, 2016
CA’s tough regulations lead the way to improve air quality nationwide

California’s regulations for diesel vehicles and equipment are the toughest in the nation. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has unique authority to implement strict upgrade and accelerated retirement requirements for fleets because the state has the worst air quality in the nation. Given the strength of California’s economy, population size, and the role of its ports in global trade, many companies in the Golden State have a significant fleet footprint—and therefore significant regulatory exposure. With many end-of-year compliance deadlines and January reporting dates, the new year is an excellent time for fleets to double check that they are up to date with all requirements.

Most fleets operating in California will face some exposure to the Truck and Bus Regulation, which has a Jan. 31 reporting and recordkeeping deadline. This rule applies to nearly all privately and federally owned diesel-fueled trucks and buses, as well as privately and publicly owned school buses that operate within the state (even if registered out of state). Starting in 2012, fleets had to phase-in compliance for all vehicles with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or more, using a combination of tactics that include replacing old trucks for cleaner diesel trucks, buying alternative fuel vehicles, and retrofitting engines with particulate filters. Upgrade requirements for all vehicles over 14,000 lb. GVWR started Jan. 1, 2015. 

Over the last 15 years, CARB has implemented a series of air-quality rules for on-road trucks and off-road equipment. All owners of diesel trucks, buses, trailers, and transport refrigeration units (“reefers”) that operate in California are required to take steps to reduce their fleet emissions. This includes upgrading equipment, accelerated retirements, idle reduction, smoke testing, and other emissions reduction approaches.

In recent years, CARB has begun to step up enforcement actions with on-road inspections, site investigations, and record system audits. The penalties can be steep, reaching $1,000 or more per day for each vehicle in violation of the rule. Additionally, a single non-compliant vehicle can trigger a large-scale review of a company’s entire operation. Fleet operators can see a full list of options by looking at CARB’s resource for diesel trucks at www.arb.ca.gov/truckstop.

Although California has a unique set of emissions requirements, many other states and localities face similar air quality challenges. With EPA’s new ozone standards and an increased focus on climate change, states are looking to California’s fleet regulations as a model for their own emissions reduction plans. California is beginning to examine zero-emissions fleet regulation concepts for transit, freight, and drayage.

For companies to ensure compliance with ever-changing air quality and greenhouse gas regulations, they need an annual compliance strategy that engages their fleet, procurement, finance, and legal teams. Fleet managers need to coordinate transfers and plans across state lines; procurement needs approvals for increased fleet capital; and legal needs to ensure that all reporting and recordkeeping requirements are being met.

To learn more about how to comply with the California air quality and greenhouse gas regulations, mark your calendars to attend the 2016 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Southern California on May 2-5, 2016, organized by Gladstein, Neandross & Associates, the clean transportation and energy consulting firm.

Rebecca Schenker is vice president of Gladstein, Neandross & Associates. Visit their website at www.actexpo.com.

About the Author

Rebecca Schenker

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