CARB approves new truck, ocean vessel regulations

CARB approves new truck, ocean vessel regulations California's top air authority unanimously approved six new measures Thursday aimed at cutting pollution-causing emissions from such sources as heavy-duty trucks and cargo vessels.
   The mandates, aimed at fulfilling new California Air Resources Board chief Mary Nichols' July promise to accelerate implementation of Assembly Bill 32, would take effect by Jan. 1, 2010.
   While most of the measures would not have much direct visibility with consumers, businesses such as the trucking and port industry could face some potentially sweeping changes.
   One measure approved Thursday would require ports to provide electrical power to cargo vessels at berth, thus allowing them to cut their auxiliary diesel engines used to supply power for onboard systems while in port. The use of these engines, according to industry studies, has been linked to the creation of at least 50 percent of the landside pollution created by ocean going vessels. Thousands of cargo vessels call at California ports each year and have been identified as the major source of pollutants from port-generated activities.
   Several of the measures approved Thursday are directed at heavy-duty diesel trucks, such as those that move cargo from the ports, which have also been identified as major sources of diesel pollution throughout the state. One measure would require tractor-trailers to maintain proper tire pressure at all times, thus increasing fuel economy. Aerodynamic fairings, which help reduce air resistance and boost fuel economy, will also be required on trucks. Emission-reducing retrofits to truck engines will also become mandatory under one of the new mandates. According to CARB, more than half of the emission reductions achievable by the new measures would come from the truck measures.
   The only measure that is likely to be visible to consumers is one requiring mechanics to check and adjust automobile tire pressure when servicing a car. Drivers however, will not be held accountable under the new rule, as law enforcement will not be mandated to issue tickets for improper tire inflation.
   If fully implemented, CARB estimates that the six measures will reduce greenhouse emissions throughout the state by about 1 percent of the total required to attain 1990 emission levels by 2020. The 2020 goal is mandated by a state global warming law passed in 2006.
   The six measures approved Thursday mandate that:
   ' Auto repair facilities must assure that following a tune up, smog check or oil change, a vehicle leaves with fully inflated tires.
   ' Tractors and trailers must be fitted with aerodynamic fairings.
   ' Cargo ships must turn off auxiliary engines and plug into the landside power grid.
   ' Sulfur hexafluoride, a chemical used to make aluminum, magnesium and semiconductors, is banned.
   ' More stringent rules on the use of the gas perfluorocarbon (used by the semi-conductor industry) must be followed.
   ' Propellants used in spray cans must meet new state standards.