If there is some truth in the saying that as California goes, so goes the nation, tank truck carriers may want to take a look at a proposal before the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that would mandate retrofits and engine replacements for the estimated 420,000 trucks and buses registered in the state. Trucks transiting California roadways from other states and countries also would fall under the regulation.
According to a CARB news release, the proposed regulation calls for truckers to retrofit pre-2007 model year trucks with soot filters, and then requires a gradual modernization of trucks beginning in 2012 so that ultimately all trucks are the cleanest, 2010 or newer models.
The proposal will have to win CARB approval later this year. Earlier the CARB adopted regulations to limit diesel emissions affect cargo handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road construction equipment, harbor craft, ship auxiliary engines, port drayage trucks, and ships-at-berth, according to the CARB information.