EPA proposes CARB hearing
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a public hearing at its Washington headquarters on Feb. 17 related to the California Air Resources Board's notification that it has adopted regulations for mobile cargo handling equipment at the state's ports and intermodal rail yards.
Specifically, these requirements are designed to use the best available technologies to reduce public exposure to diesel particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions. The requirements apply to any motorized vehicle used to handle cargo, including yard trucks, top handlers, side handlers, rubber-tired gantry cranes, forklifts, dozers and loaders.
In a Jan. 29, 2007 letter, CARB asked the EPA to confirm that certain requirements are within the scope of previously granted EPA waivers and authorizations under the Clean Air Act, and grant a new full authorization pursuant to the Clean Air Act for other requirements that are applicable to non-road engines.
If the EPA does not receive any requests for a public hearing by Feb. 11, it will cancel the proposed event. To learn if a hearing will be held, check here. If no hearing is held, EPA will consider CARB’s request based on written submissions due by March 17.
For more details about the proposed hearing, see the Federal Register notice.
