Notice from CARB on March 1st Deadline

Until further notice, no enforcement action will be taken for noncompliance with the March 1, 2010, large fleet performance requirements of the off-road regulation.

Air Resources Board (ARB) Executive Officer James N. Goldstene issued a statement informing fleets that until further notice, ARB will take no enforcement action for noncompliance with the March 1, 2010, large fleet performance requirements of the off-road regulation. This is primarily due to the fact that ARB has not received authorization from U.S. EPA to enforce the emission related requirements of the regulation.

Please note that the idling, reporting, labeling, and sales disclosure requirements in the regulation remain in effect and fully enforceable. This means that large fleets still must comply with the April 1, 2010, reporting deadline (i.e., still must report their reduced activity and reduced horsepower to ARB). For more information regarding these requirements, please see the off-road knowledge center webpage at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/knowcenter.htm

Also, in recognition of the continuing effects of the global recession, on March 11, 2010, in Sacramento, ARB will conduct a hearing where stakeholders may testify on whether the off-road regulation should be modified further, beyond the relief that the Board already enacted in July, 2009. At the hearing, ARB will gather more factual information on the impact of the recession on affected fleets to determine if further changes to the regulation are warranted.

ARB next week will also issue an enforcement advisory to clarify the current situation and next steps. Further information concerning the status of the off-road regulation is available in the following letter that ARB sent yesterday to the Associated General Contractors, available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/documents/goldstene21110.pdf

California Gives Relief to Off-Road Construction Equipment Owners

Statement issued today (02-12-10) by California Air Resources Board Executive Officer James N. Goldstene:

“Over the last several years, the construction industry has felt the sting of the faltering economy with reduced activity and idled off-road equipment. This has made it difficult for contractors to pay for required clean-air upgrades to their fleets. Along with this reduced construction activity has been a corresponding reduction in construction emissions.

“Because of this, ahead of a March 1, 2010, compliance deadline, ARB will issue an enforcement advisory to notify all stakeholders affected by the off-road equipment regulation that effective immediately, and until further notice, no enforcement action will be taken for noncompliance. In addition, on March 11 an Executive Officer hearing will be held where stakeholders may testify on the question of whether the off-road regulations should be further modified to account for the down economy and subsequent emissions reductions. That information will be included in an already-scheduled update to the full Board at its April meeting.

“ARB will continue to evaluate the impact of the recession on emissions from all sources and make adjustments to our regulations as needed. However, the health of all Californians requires that all industries continue to use the cleanest, most efficient equipment possible. Clean air is not a luxury – it is a right. We need to continue to work toward goals that save us all money in healthcare costs, lost work and school days, and contribute to our quality of life.”

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

CARB Hosts Symposium on Particulate Matter

The California Air Resources Board will host a symposium on Feb. 26th on the science behind the methodology used to estimate premature deaths in California that are related to exposure to particulate matter (PM). Scientists from academic institutions and government agencies have been invited to participate. Topics to be discussed include scientific findings regarding the association between PM2.5 exposure and premature death, criteria for selecting a concentration-response function for making estimates of PM2.5-related deaths in CA, how uncertainties should be addressed, and whether we can differentiate the effects of PM2.5 from specific sources.

Changes to CARB Off-Road Diesel Regulation

CA Office of Administrative Law has approved two changes to the off-road regulation and have filed them with the California Secretary of State, thereby making the changes effective. They are the following:

- Extension of double retrofit credit by 10 months from March 1, 2009 to January 1, 2010 and other minor clarifications and amendments to the regulation.
See: http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2009/ordiesl09/ordiesl09.htm

- The new Assembly Bill 8 2 X (AB 8 2X) credits for fleets that have reduced in size or reduced the amount they operation their vehicles.
See: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/faq/faq-early-credit.pdf

CA Gov Issues Statement on Diesel Reg Controversy

California Newswire reported that Gov. Schwarzeneggar released a statement on Thursday regarding the recent controversy surrounding ARB's Diesel Vehicle regulation (aka: Truck and Bus law):

"With numerous studies and overwhelming evidence on this topic, it is clear responsible action is needed to improve our air quality and protect the health of all Californians. And, as we move forward with these necessary environmental actions, I am committed to ensuring that our economy is protected. That is why I have directed my Administration to work with the board towards a solution that will help small and mid-size companies meet these important air quality regulations without moving back the final 2014 implementation date. I am confident that Chair Nichols and the board will continue to rely on the science in furthering California's environmental goals and protecting our economy at the same time."

See original link: http://californianewswire.com/2009/12/10/CNW6264_235652.php

ARB Directs Staff to Explore More Flexibility for Small Businesses on Diesel Truck Rule

The Air Resources Board directed its staff today to return to the Board next April with a new provision that would provide truck fleets more flexibility in cleaning up their diesel emissions under the state's Truck and Bus Rule that was adopted in December of last year, in light of the recession's effect on the industry.

ARB staff demonstrated that the down economy has reduced the amount of time trucks have operated, thus reducing harmful diesel emissions that would have occurred during normal economic times.

The Board also directed staff to withdraw and redo the health report that carried Hien Tran's name since it was learned last year that he falsely claimed he held a PhD in statistics from UC Davis. The implementation of the rule will continue to be carried out during this period.

The Board also neglected to second a motion by Board Members John Telles, who wanted to repeal the diesel rule after learning of a Tran's misconduct.

"With today's set of actions, we confidently set out to revalidate the science supporting our rules and set up a process to allow for more flexibility for small businesses in the regulation given the down economy," ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols said. "We take the employee misconduct very seriously but it should not affect an extremely important public health measure that has been extensively reviewed throughout the scientific community. We have tightened up our procedures to ensure an incident like this never happens again."

ARB passed the diesel truck and bus rule last December that requires truck owners to install diesel exhaust filters on their rigs by Jan. 1, 2011, with nearly all vehicles upgraded by 2014.

The regulation is estimated to prevent 9,400 premature deaths over its lifetime.

To reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality and public health, the ARB adopted a Diesel Risk Reduction Plan in 2000 and has already passed regulations addressing urban buses, garbage trucks, school bus and truck idling, stationary engines, transport refrigeration units, cargo handling equipment at ports and rail yards, off-road vehicles, port trucks and other sources.

CARB Board Member Wants Upcoming On-Road Diesel Rule to Be Reviewed

The Fresno Bee reported on Wednesday that board member John Tellles of the California Air Resources Board is pushing for the looming on-road diesel emissions rule aimed at trucks and buses to be put on hold pending an independent review.

Apparently one of the researchers who contributed health research that the original 2008 ruling was based on, falsified his credentials. Hien Tran originally stated he had earned a doctorate from UC Berkeley. It was later uncovered that his degree is actually from an unaccredited online institution.

The regulation to go into effect in 2010 would require diesel on-road vehicles operating in California to reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM). This often requires retrofitting with a particulate filter that has been CARB verified specifically for use with on-road vehicles.

Final Rulemaking Package for CARB Truck & Bus Regulation

Posting of the Final Rulemaking Package for the In-Use On-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation (Truck and Bus Regulation).

The ARB Staff has posted the Final Rulemaking Package for the In-Use On-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation (Truck and Bus Regulation). The package was filed with the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on October 23, 2009, and OAL has until December 9, 2009, to make a determination. The package includes the Final Statement of Reasons which includes ARB's responses to all comments received on the regulation during the public comment periods. The package for the amendments to the existing regulations was filed with the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on October 19, 2009, and OAL has until December 3, 2009, to make a determination. Click here for the Final Rulemaking Package.

EPA: 31 Areas Violate 24-Hour Fine Particle Standards

Thirty-one areas across the country have been designated as not meeting the EPA's standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). The final designation was based on previous air quality data used to identify nonattainment zones.

Using the 2006 to 2008 data, 91 U.S. counties that were identified as nonattainment in December 2008 are now meeting the standards. The new data also showed that four new counties in three states are violating the daily PM 2.5 standards, the annual PM 2.5 standards, or both. EPA will work with these four counties to evaluate air monitoring data and other factors to make final designations by early 2010.

Nonattainment areas include counties with monitors showing violations of the standards and the nearby areas that also contribute to that violation. Affected states and tribes will be required to take steps to reduce the pollution that forms fine particles. The majority of U.S. counties and tribal lands are meeting these standards, but will need to continue working to maintain clean air.

In 2006, EPA strengthened the 24-hour fine particle standards from 65 micrograms per cubic meter to 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air to protect public health. Nationwide, monitored levels of fine particle pollution fell 19 percent from 2000 to 2008. Fine particles can either be emitted directly from power plants, factories, and motor vehicles, particularly diesel trucks and buses, or they can form in the atmosphere from reactions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Click here to view Final Designation Comparison for 24-Hour Fine Particle (PM 2.5) Standards

From CARB: Truckin' News Q & A

The California Air Resources Board has introduced a new monthly column to answer questions from the heavy duty diesel driving community regarding compliance with ARB regulations that affect the trucking industry.

Each month the column will address questions concerning both current and upcoming regulations and will provide answers that we hope are concise and easy to understand. Topics will include the State Heavy Duty Truck and Bus regulation, SmartWay technologies for long haul trucks and trailers, port and drayage truck requirements, and other laws and activities pertaining to diesel engine owners. The first column will feature the most commonly asked questions about the upcoming deadlines for trucks that service the ports.

“This regular feature will offer a great opportunity for truckers to learn not only the details of our trucking regulations, but also the reasons they have been adopted. California leads the nation in its efforts to clean up air quality, and truckers play a vital role in making that happen,” said Tony Brasil, Chief of ARB’s Heavy Duty Diesel In-Use Strategies Branch.

Brasil, an ARB veteran who has traveled the state soliciting stakeholder input on a variety of ARB measures, will pen the column. He enjoys tackling tough questions from the public and will be regularly tapping into the expertise of ARB management and staff to best cover all the topics.

"California Trucking Q & A" can be added to any print or online publication as a syndicated feature. Many readers will be surprised to learn some of the facts regarding ARB diesel regulations, deadlines, compliance options, and financial assistance opportunities. In the future, readers may also have an opportunity to submit their own questions on the “Truckin’
News Q and A” website.

If you have a question you would like to see answered in the “Truckin’ News Q and A” column, email it to CAtruckinqanda@arb.ca.gov.

A listserve will also be available in the first issue to subscribe to the monthly Truckin’ News Q and A.”

Air Pollution Facts

1 in 6 – The number of people in the United States living in regions with high, unhealthy levels of particulate pollution - (National Lung Assoc.)

49% - Truck drivers were found to have a death rate for heart disease of 49 percent higher than the average public, attributed to exposure to traffic pollution and diesel emissions – (Harvard Univ.)

95% - Cars manufactured today are 95% cleaner than 30 years ago (CARB)

189 – The number of toxic chemicals listed on the Clean Air Act (CAA) list of hazards air pollutants (HAPs) - (EPA)

18,000 – Estimated annual number of premature deaths in California attributed to particulate pollution – (CARB)

3.9 million – The number of adults and children diagnosed with asthma in California or 11.9% - compared to the national average of 10.1% - (CARB)

40.5 million – The population of Americans living in areas that failed the 2009 State of the Air testing for short-term particulate matter, year-round particulate matter and ozone smog – (National Lung Assoc.)

Help with Regulations: How Air Quality Standards Affect Diesel and Natural Gas Engine Emissions

Just about everyone is confused when it comes to air quality regulations and how they affect diesel and natural gas standby and prime power generators. Who determines the regulations? Where are they posted? And what support is there for answering questions? Here's a brief overview on the "who, where and what" of air quality rulings and the agencies involved with compliance.

EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the standards for federal regulations based on the national Clean Air Act and its amendments. New rulings to the act are regularly reviewed and passed into law. The EPA page for Laws, Regulations, Guidance and Dockets can be accessed at www.epa.gov/lawsregs/.

When it comes to regulations involving stationary engine emissions, all dealers and end-users of prime and emergency generators need to be familiar with the following rulings set by the EPA. These standards reduce emissions of nitrous oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) from new and existing prime power and standby engines:

Standards of Performance for Stationary Compression Ignition Internal Combustion Engines
(various deadlines determined by engine size and model year)
- To comply, diesel prime power and emergency engines may need to be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters (DPF), diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC) and/or selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

Stationary Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Engines and National Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines
- To comply, natural gas engines may need to be retrofitted with oxidation catalysts (OC) or three-way catalysts (TWC).

Control of Emissions from Nonroad Diesel Engines (Tier 4 Regulations)
- To comply, diesel engines may need to be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters (DPF), diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC) and/or selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE NESHAP)
- To comply, diesel and natural gas engines may need to be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters (DPF), diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC) or oxidation catalysts (OC).

Operating Permits – Title V


EPA - Regions
The ten regional offices of the EPA are responsible for implementing the Agency's programs. Contact your Regional Office directly for answers to your regulatory questions.

Region 1 - CT, RI, MA, ME, NH, VT
Phone: (617) 918-1111
Toll free within Region 1: (888) 372-7341

Region 2 - NY, NJ, PR, VI
Phone: (212) 637-3000

Region 3 - PA, WV, VA, DE, MD, DC
Phone: (215) 814-5000
Toll free: (800) 438-2474

Region 4 - KY, TN, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC
Phone: (404) 562-9900
Toll free: (800) 241-1754

Region 5 - MN, WI, IL, IN, OH, MI
Phone: (312) 353-2000
Toll free within Region 5: (800) 621-8431

Region 6 - NM, TX, OK, AR, LA
Phone: (214) 665-2200
Toll free within Region 6: (800) 887-6063

Region 7 - NE, KS, IA, MO
Phone: (913) 551-7003
Toll free: (800) 223-0425

Region 8 - MT, ND, SD, WY, CO, UT
Phone: (303) 312-6312
Toll free: (800) 227-8917

Region 9 - CA, NV, AZ, HI, Guam, Trust Territories, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands
Phone: (415) 947-8000
(866) EPA-WEST (toll free in Region 9)

Region 10 - WA, OR, ID, AK
Phone: (206) 553-1200
Toll free: (800) 424-4372

Click here to find regulatory information related to your EPA region.


EPA - State Agencies
Each state has its own EPA agency. Contact your local agency for air quality information, funding and permitting info related to your state. To find your state EPA, click here.


California Air Resources Board (ARB)
Considered the most powerful state agency, the California Air Resources Board or ARB often sets the standard for the rest of the country. Established in 1967, ARB has the ability to pass legislature independent of the federal EPA, often finding innovative and progressive approaches to reducing emissions and improving air quality. Click here to visit ARB's website.

Unlike other states, ARB has 35 regional AQMDs (Air Quality Management Districts), each with the ability to pass their own regulations. Click here for an interactive map of California's Air Districts and Counties.

Regulations passed by ARB and its individual AQMDs take precedence over EPA rulings in the state of California. All prime power and standby diesel and natural gas engines operating within the state need to check with their regional AQMD concerning regulations and required permitting.

For more information on federal and state regulations, request a free copy of CleanAIR Systems' digital Emissions Guidebook.

CARB Approves Amendments to In-Use Off-Road Diesel Regulation

Last week the California Air Resources Board approved the following amendments to the In-use Off-road Diesel Vehicle Regulation:

- New credits for fleets that have experienced drops in activity of their vehicles and/or that have reduced their fleet size

- Allowing all large fleets to delay a portion of their compliance obligations currently required for 2011 and 2012 until 2013

Also included are new incentives to for early action by fleets:

- Allow fleets to claim an exemption for up to 15% of their total horsepower from future turnover if they install a retrofit prior to March 1, 2011

- Allow medium an small fleets to claim double credit for PM retrofits installed by March 1, 2012

- Allow fleets to accumulate NOx carryover turnover credit for early repowers installed, regardless of the total amount of fleet horsepower that is repowered

For more info on this regulation and it's recent updates, go to:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/ordiesel.htm

1st School Bus Retroffited Under the ARRA

California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the San Diego Air Pollution Control Board (SDAPCB)announced that the first school bus in the country to be retroffited with emissions control technology under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) with economic stimulus funding awarded by EPA, was recently unveiled.

Funding was made available to the San Diego Air Unified School District to help clean up the emissions of 10 school buses.

"The state and its school children thank the Obama Administration for sending this funding our way to clean up older, dirty diesel school buses," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "San Diego officials, in particular, wasted no time in parlaying this money into real, on-the-ground projects that are providing jobs and protecting children's lungs at the same time."

GHG Waiver Granted to CA by EPA

EPA is granting California’s waiver request enabling the state to enforce its greenhouse gas emissions standards for new motor vehicles, beginning with the current model year. Using the law and science as its guide, EPA has taken this action to tackle air pollution and protect human health.

“This decision puts the law and science first. After review of the scientific findings, and another comprehensive round of public engagement, I have decided this is the appropriate course under the law,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “This waiver is consistent with the Clean Air Act as it’s been used for the last 40 years and supports the prerogatives of the 13 states and the District of Columbia who have opted to follow California’s lead. More importantly, this decision reinforces the historic agreement on nationwide emissions standards developed by a broad coalition of industry, government and environmental stakeholders earlier this year.”

The first California waiver request was made in December 2005 and was subsequently denied in March 2008. This previous decision was based on an interpretation of the Clean Air Act finding that California did not have a need for its greenhouse gas emission standards to meet “compelling and extraordinary conditions.”

Shortly after taking office in January, President Barack Obama directed EPA to assess the appropriateness of denying the waiver. EPA received a letter from California on January 21, 2009, raising several issues for Administrator Jackson to review regarding the denial.

Last month, President Obama announced a first-ever national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. The new standards would cover model years 2012-2016. When the national program takes effect, California has committed to allowing automakers who show compliance with the national program to also be deemed in compliance with state requirements.

With the decision to grant the California waiver, EPA returns to its traditional legal interpretation of the Clean Air Act that has been applied consistently during the past 40 years. EPA finds that California continues to have a need for its motor vehicle emissions program, including the greenhouse gas standards. EPA also finds that the California program meets legal requirements regarding the protectiveness of public health and welfare as well as technological feasibility.

EPA based its decision on an extensive record of scientific and technical evidence. As part of the reconsideration, EPA revisited the prior decision documents and record. The agency also opened a new comment period, including public hearings.

The Clean Air Act gives EPA the authority to allow California to adopt its own emission standards for new motor vehicles due to the seriousness of the state’s air pollution challenges. There is a long-standing history of EPA granting waivers to the state of California.

Information, including decision documents: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/ca-waiver.htm

EPA Issues Environmental Justice Resource Guide for Public

The EPA's Environmental Justice Resource Guide is a handbook for community organizers and decision-makers. The guide is now available from the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Environmental Justice Office.

"The EPA’s Environmental Justice Resource Guide provides information on funding sources and other resources that can help communities understand, prioritize, and address their specific environmental concerns, said Enrique Manzanilla, Director of the Communities and Ecosystems Division at EPA’s Pacific Southwest Regional Office.

The Guide contains success stories achieved by communities disproportionately impacted by environmental burdens, such as the West Oakland Toxic Reduction Collaborative, which helped reduce port-related diesel pollutants.

The Guide also lists funding sources, tools, and resources available to community organizers.

The EPA’s Environmental Justice Resource Guide is available online at: http://epa.gov/region09/ej/ .

Or request a hard copy by contacting Sharon Murray at murray.sharon@epa.gov, (415) 947-4250.

ARB Adopts Lanfill Measure to Reduce Methane

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted a regulation on June 25th aimed at capturing methane from landfills throughout the state, a move that will reduce 1.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in the state's landmark fight against global warming.

Today's regulation will require 14 uncontrolled municipal solid waste landfills throughout the state to design and install new gas collection and control systems by 2012. In addition, the regulation will reduce emissions from landfills with existing control systems by requiring them to be operated in a manner to minimize methane emissions. ARB estimates that 218 of the state's overall 367 municipal solid waste landfills with the potential to generate methane emissions may be subject to the regulation.

Municipal waste landfills comprise California's second largest man-made source of methane, which is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Methane is a greenhouse gas (GHG) and is also a precursor to ozone formation.

"Fixing the leaks in existing landfill gas collection systems is a fast way to cut the methane gas that is directly harming the earth's atmosphere," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "Even better, we will see an immediate health benefit, because methane is a precursor to smog."

Today's adoption constitutes the final "early action measure" required under the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.

AB 32 requires the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020. The ARB has developed dozens of measures, guidelines and regulations aimed at achieving this goal. The landfill regulation accounts for the second biggest emission reduction regulation approved by the ARB thus far, behind the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

See CARB

California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality

Air quality Almanac includes state air quality trends San Joaquin Valley and South Coast Air basins show lower PM levels and fewer ozone days

The Air Resources Board released its annual California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality this month that shows dramatic improvement in air quality in two of the historically troubled areas - Southern California and the Central Valley - despite increased trucking, port activities and population growth.

The almanac indicates pollutants have dropped significantly over the last 20 years in both San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast Air basins. Ozone levels have decreased approximately 10 percent in the San Joaquin Valley and 35 percent in the South Coast Air basins since 1990. Fine particulate matter in the South Coast region has decreased nearly 35 percent and the San Joaquin Valley 20 percent for the period of 1999 to 2007 namely due to regulations aimed at reducing ozone and coarse particulate matter.

Data from the statewide 2009 almanac also shows that over the last 20 years:
• A dramatic decrease of 53 percent in hydrocarbons and 35
percent in NOx emissions that contribute to the formation of ozone and PM;
• The number of unhealthy days with high concentrations of ozone
has decreased an average of 35 percent;
• Exposure to ozone in major urban areas has dropped
approximately 80 percent;
• A number of areas in the state that previously violated the
federal 1-hour ozone standard now meet the standard; and
• All areas of California now meet state and national standards
for nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

"These good statistics covering the past 20 years show a lot of progress simultaneous with growth in population and economy but, there is still more to be done," said ARB Chairman, Mary D.

Nichols. "We will continue to employ innovative approaches to keep California on the right track so we protect public health which will result in a healthier workforce and fewer hospital visits for families."

These air pollution reductions are a result of regulations adopted by ARB and the 35 local air quality districts over the last 40 years. Recent efforts such as the adoption of tougher particulate matter and NOx regulations from big-rig trucks and buses, and equipment enhancements at California service stations are expected to help the state meet more stringent air quality standards.

ARB’s California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality is produced annually and contains information about historical, current and forecasted emissions trends as well as historic air quality data. The data is collected from over 200 monitoring stations that are operated and maintained in partnership with local air districts.

Each year, more than 10 million air quality measurements are collected from all the stations and are stored in a comprehensive air quality database maintained by the ARB. To ensure the integrity of the data, ARB routinely audits and reviews the monitoring instruments and data.
To view a downloadable version of the almanac, go to:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/aqd/almanac/almanac09/almanac09.htm

ARB Approves Funding and Guidelines for Clean Engine Technologies

The Air Resources Board approved $42 million in AB 118 Air Quality Improvement Program projects that will accelerate the commercialization of on-road and off-road clean engine technologies.

Beginning this fall, Californians will be able to use these grants toward the purchase of zero-emission or hybrid engine technologies that they otherwise may not have been able to afford. These technologies will help California meet its long-term air quality and climate change goals.

“These grants will help introduce the next generation of clean vehicles and equipment into California so that we get a step closer to energy efficiency and break away from dependence on oil,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “We’ll all enjoy cleaner air and improved health as a result."

All interested Californians can participate in the following funding assistance programs to purchase new commercially available technologies for the 2009-10 fiscal year by contacting ARB. The four projects are:
• $25 million for hybrid trucks and buses;
• $5 million for zero-emission and plug-in hybrid cars and
motorcycles;
• $2 million for lawn and garden equipment that will augment air
districts existing replacement programs; and,
• $1.3 million for zero-emission agricultural equipment.

The Air Quality Improvement Program will also fund demonstration projects that will focus on promising technologies not yet in wide production. The five projects are:
• $2 million for the production of locomotives that emit lower
amounts of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter;
• $1 million for hybrid marine vessels;
• $3 million for zero-emission or plug-in hybrid transit and
school buses in addition to retrofits;
• $2 million for hybrid off-road equipment and retrofits such as
vehicles used in construction, mining and airport ground support; and,
• $1 million for hybrid off-road agricultural equipment and
retrofits including tractors and agricultural pumps.

Also approved today were guidelines to delineate how ARB will run this new financial assistance program to ensure efficiency and public input. The guidelines establish requirements for such areas as program administration, oversight and accountability, reporting, and procedures for developing project solicitation and project selection.

Governor Schwarzenegger provided funding for alternative fuels and clean vehicle technologies by signing AB 118 into law in October 2007. This week, the California Energy Commission adopted an investment plan that provides $176 million over the next two years to fund programs that promote these new technologies. Smog abatement, vehicle and vessel registration fees will pay for these programs.

The programs will help achieve the objectives of the recently adopted Low Carbon Fuel Standard that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify the state’s fuel supply.

Smog has been known to exacerbate a variety of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions such as heart disease and asthma, and diesel particulate matter was listed as toxic in 1998.

For more information, please visit
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/aqip.htm