California’s Clean Truck Check, part of the broader Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) Program, represents the state’s ambitious drive to tackle air pollution from its vast fleet of heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), which oversees clean air initiatives, has rolled out stringent regulations to curb the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM 2.5)—pollutants that have long plagued the state’s air quality. While these trucks are critical to California’s economy, their pollution levels have continued to worsen, despite decades of regulatory efforts.
At the heart of the Clean Truck Check is the goal of ensuring that trucks weighing over 14,000 pounds undergo regular inspections and maintenance, particularly to verify that their emissions control systems, such as diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction systems, are functioning properly. By 2037, CARB anticipates the program will cut NOx emissions by 81 tons per day and PM emissions by 0.7 tons daily—an achievement expected to prevent over 7,500 pollution-related deaths. However, as with many regulatory changes, the program has sparked significant debate.
The most contentious aspect is the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, which mandates that certain fleets, including drayage, government-owned, and high-priority fleets, transition to zero-emission trucks. While the environmental benefits are clear, the economic burden this places on the trucking industry, truck manufacturers, and related sectors is profound. The additional costs required to meet these standards could be substantial, leading to higher operational costs for trucking companies, which may, in turn, raise the price of goods and services for consumers. Starting in January 2025, almost all diesel and alternative fuel trucks over 14,000 pounds will be required to undergo semi-annual emissions compliance testing, which could significantly impact the bottom line for many businesses.
Sources:
kmtruckcenter.com/clean-truck-check-will-require-twice-a-year-certifications/
landline.media/truck-equipment-groups-challenge-advanced-clean-fleets-in-new-federal-lawsuit/
ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/CTC/about
ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/truckstop-resources/truckstop/regulations/clean-truck-check-hd-im
California “Clean Truck Check” rules will require twice a year certifications.
The Clean Truck Check, part of California’s broader Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) Program, represents one of the state’s latest moves to reduce air pollution and address the… pic.twitter.com/F1urfqZ6Z7
— James Daugherty (@JDXReport) October 14, 2024