CARB proposes new truck, ocean vessel regulations

CARB proposes new truck, ocean vessel regulations California's top air authority released six new proposed measures Thursday aimed at cutting pollution-causing emissions from such sources as heavy-duty trucks and cargo vessels.
   The move, aimed at fulfilling new California Air Resources Board chief Mary Nichols' July promise to accelerate implementation of Assembly Bill 32, would see the new measures in place 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 proposed 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 oceangoing 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 announced Thursday were directed at heavy-duty diesel trucks, such as those that move cargo from the ports, which have also been identified as major sources of 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, would also be required on trucks. Emission-reducing retrofits to truck engines will also be required under one of the new measures. 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, would not be held accountable under the new rule, as law enforcement would not be mandated to issue tickets for improper tire inflation.
   If fully successful, the six measures would reduce greenhouse emissions throughout the state by about 1 percent of the total required by 2020.
   Following a Sept. 17 public workshop in Sacramento to discuss the proposals, the air board plans to vote on the measures at a meeting Oct. 25-26.