AGC Urges CARB to Delay Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulations

March 22, 2010
 

Monday, March 15, 2010


In response to AGC of America’s petition filed in January, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) conducted a public hearing in Sacramento. A strong coalition supported by AGC contractors, construction workers and construction officials from throughout California urged CARB to reconsider delaying implementation of the off-road diesel regulation due to the tremendous downturn in the state’s construction activity.

Comments and analysis were offered by:

•Dr. Lynn Reaser, president of the National Association of Business Economics and chief economist for Point Loma Nazarene University, cited data showing California’s construction industry will employ fewer people through at least 2015 compared to its 2006 peak employment of 900,000 workers.
•Jim Lyons from Sierra Research offered the latest analysis of CARB’s data which confirms that off-road diesel emissions are well below the state’s goal and will be for years to come.
•Michael Kennedy, general counsel for AGC of America, urged the Board that with the overwhelming evidence, it was imperative to delay implementation of the off-road diesel regulation for at least two years.
Several contractors provided examples of the true costs involved with the off-road diesel regulation. It was noted that a combination of equipment inventory reductions, equipment retrofits, repowers, or replacement of existing construction equipment was completed, however, any capital outlays during 2010 are not feasible. Many contractors noted that due to the severe economic downturn in construction, a delay in the implementation of the off-road diesel regulation is needed in order to avoid further unnecessary losses and layoffs. ARB staff was urged to delay the implementation of certain fleet average requirements until at least 2015.

While the hearing was held last week, contractors still have an opportunity to submit submit their comments.

While it is unclear at this point how much relief CARB will provide to the construction industry, it is very clear that the Environmental Protection Agency will play a role on the timing of these regulations and when enforcement of the regulations will begin.

For complete information on the off-road diesel regulation:  http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/ordiesel.htm.