EPA Lets California Crack Down on Dirty Bulldozers
Published Date: 1/10/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA has approved California’s updated rules to cut pollution from off-road diesel vehicles like construction and farm equipment. This means owners of these diesel fleets in California will need to follow new cleaner engine standards soon, helping the air get fresher. If you want to challenge this decision, you have until March 11, 2025, to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Phase-out of Old Diesel Off-Road Vehicles
If you own an in-use off-road diesel fleet in California, the rule requires you to phase out the oldest and highest-emitting diesel vehicles. The phase-in period runs starting in 2024 through the end of 2036.
Ban on Acquiring High-Emitting Vehicles
If you operate an off-road diesel fleet in California, you are prohibited from acquiring high-emitting diesel vehicles under the Amendments. This restriction is part of the authorized 2022 Off-Road Fleets Amendments.
Required Use of Specified Renewable Diesel
California's authorized Amendments require fleets to fuel their in-use off-road diesel vehicles with specified renewable diesel. This fuel requirement is part of the 2022 Off-Road Fleets Amendments now authorized by EPA.
Measures to Boost Zero-Emission Adoption
The authorized Amendments include changes to enhance enforceability and encourage the adoption of zero-emission technologies for off-road fleets in California. These provisions aim to increase use of cleaner technologies over the phase-in period.
New Administrative Rules for Contractors and Awarding Bodies
The Amendments establish administrative requirements for prime contractors and public works awarding bodies in California. These rules create new obligations for contractors and agencies involved with off-road diesel fleets.
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