Truckers get relief from CARB, but not harbour trucks

THE California Air Resources Board (CARB) is expected to give longer range truckers more time to buy new trucks to reduce emissions, but not those serving ports and harbours will remain subject to more stringent rules and a more aggressive time table.

The On-Road Truck and Bus Regulation was supposed to take effect at the end of 2010, requiring the elimination of older trucks until 2023 when all of them must be 2010 or newer models. But arguments have been made that during the downturn vehicle operators cannot afford to buy new trucks and buses.

The California Trucking Association (CTA) reports that CARB is relenting on some trucks after industry groups argued that the global downturn had made it impossible for truckers to buy new vehicles and that fewer trips had been taken during the poor economy and there was consequently 20 per cent less pollution generated.

CTA environmental director Matt Schrap said CARB had instructed its staff to devise relief measures to be considered in April, reported Newark's Journal of Commerce. But the On-Road Truck and Bus Regulation do not affect trucks serving California ports and intermodal rail yards.

Mr Schrap said on-road motor carriers should not hope that emission rules will be scrapped, but should only expect delays of deadlines and perhaps the provision of credit for early retrofitting of vehicles. "It will be the same costs, it's just that they'll be deferred," he said.

Source: www.schednet.com