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Recognizing the economic climate ARB is seeking strategies to
balance public health with the needs of a battered industry. 


Release 10-33
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2010 	
	
	
Karen Caesar
626-575-6728 desk
626-818-0145 cell
www.arb.ca.gov

ARB considers options for additional flexibility in diesel
control regulations

New relief for on-road and off-road engine rules to be
considered at September hearing

SACRAMENTO:  The Air Resources Board today began the formal
process to revise its strategy for the clean-up of on- and
off-road diesel engines by directing staff to return in September
with specific proposals to provide additional flexibility.

“We fully recognize that the economy has had an effect on the
owners and operators of big rigs, buses and construction
equipment, and has also resulted in emissions from these vehicles
being lower than we expected,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols.
 ”We are committed to taking those impacts into consideration for
our diesel clean-up program.”

“The direction by the Board today,” added Nichols, “will result
in additional flexibility to affected companies and individuals,
while still continuing to achieve the significant air quality and
health benefits these diesel controls will deliver.”

The Board has asked staff to draft changes to the regulations
that will mitigate the potential effects of an unfavorable
economy on affected businesses, while keeping in mind the need to
protect public health, meet federal clean air deadlines, and
continue moving forward even through uncertain times.  The Board
also directed staff to consider approaches to give credit to
firms that have already complied with the regulations, and to
examine the possibility of additional loans and incentive funding
for the program.

Staff presented an update on diesel emission estimates, and the
approach for incorporating new information on diesel fuel use,
emission factors and equipment use.   A new emissions estimate
will be used in the rule revision process.

ARB staff will conduct a series of workshops in May and June in
Los Angeles, Sacramento and Fresno with stakeholders and the
public to solicit information about proposed revisions to the
regulations that will be presented to the Board in September.

ARB has already extended deadlines for off-road equipment owners
through AB8 2X (signed by the Governor in February 2009),
including delayed compliance and credits for those who have
reduced their fleet size or operating hours in response to the
recession.  

In addition, ARB will continue its program of financial support
to help owners and operators of these trucks and equipment.  Over
$100 million in Proposition 1B funds alone have been allocated
for cleaning up on-road diesel trucks through retrofits or
replacement.  Additional funds have been made available through
the Carl Moyer Grant Program, along with loans via AB 118 and
federal stimulus funds.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40
other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California
identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant
based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other
health problems.

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.

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