News from NALP
California ’ s Off-Road Engine Regulations The following update was provided by Andrew Bray , NALP ’ s Vice President of Government Relations on December 9 , 2021 .
The California Air Resources Board ( CARB ) has approved Proposed Amendments to the Small Off-Road Engine Regulations : Transition to Zero Emissions which would ban the sale of all carbon-emitting landscape equipment beginning with model-year 2024 .
Under a special exemption to the Clean Air Act , California can create its own regulations relating to emissions . No other state can do the same . Though CARB has issued the regulations , the rules can ’ t take effect until the EPA approves the waiver – a process that can take many months to finalize .
The landscape industry shares Governor Newsom and other California policymakers ’ desire to reduce carbon emissions as quickly as possible . Still , we are disappointed that CARB has decided to move forward with the 2024 timeline despite the information presented by the landscape industry and other interested stakeholders that the battery-powered equipment currently on the market isn ’ t sufficient for high-volume commercial use .
By its own calculations , CARB could have allowed for a slightly longer transition , beginning in 2026 , and still have achieved its targeted emission reduction goals . Currently , 85 % of the gas-powered landscape equipment in California is used by residential customers – only 15 % is commercial / professional grade . NALP has advocated that CARB delay the transition for commercial users to allow time to get the electrical infrastructure in place , allow the equipment to advance , and provide a longer transition time for businesses to adapt .
The industry will work with CARB , the California legislature , and the EPA to find ways to support the transition in the form of tax credits , rebates , and education and training to help companies adopt new technologies that reduce emissions and help boost the climate-change fighting power of America ’ s green spaces . ❖
MLP Newsline | Winter 2021 17