CARB modifies regs; public comment due by Oct. 2

These rules deal with the use of equipment verified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program, including aerodynamic solutions such as added side fairings and low rolling resistance tires.

The Trucker News Services

9/18/2009

Public comments are due October 2 on a group of changes and modifications to the California Air Resources Board’s regulations on “Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Heavy-Duty Vehicles” released on Sept. 17.

CARB on its Web site said that language was added to clarify that the regulation applies to “specified parties, not only when they use certain tractors and trailers in California, but also when they cause the use of that equipment by others within the state.”

In other words, trucking firms that contract with owner-operators or other carriers to haul in and out of California may be the ones having make sure CARB rules are complied with.

CARB stated that its definition of “owner” was modified to clarify which parties are responsible for ensuring that vehicles, including leased vehicles and federal government vehicles, comply with the regulations.

The agency is expected to issue its final regulation in November, with rules effective for equipment model year 2011 and new equipment purchased on or after Jan. 1 of next year.

Among other changes are exemptions for refuse and livestock trailers; changing the definition of short-haul tractors to mean only those which travel less than 50,000 miles a year and changing local-haul tractors and trailers to mean those which travel within a 100-mile radius of their local base.

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