Operators & National Associations Plead with CARB for Relief from Expected Engine Shortage

On Oct. 20, the motorcoach and trucking industries assembled in Sacramento, Calif., and virtually for an unprecedented Executive Officer hearing regarding amendments to the state’s proposed low NOx regulations.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is seeking to reduce emissions by reducing emissions from heavy-duty trucks but has unintentionally included motorcoaches in its sweeping engine emissions, vehicle sales and fleet compliance initiatives. Many types of heavy-duty diesel vehicles use the same major engine manufacturers as motorcoaches.

CARB had worked with truck and engine manufacturers to ensure the successful transition of requirements for heavy-duty diesel trucks and came to a modified agreement this past summer. ABA worked with the California Bus Association and motorcoach manufacturers, as well as other industry associations to appeal to CARB for additional relief for the motorcoach industry. During the hearing, 15 presenters from the motorcoach industry made presentations to the CARB Executive Officer, the Honorable Steven Cliff, Ph. D., during the nearly 2-hour hearing.

Without additional relief or flexibility, a lack of engine availability for the motorcoach sector will lead to a loss of more than $100 million annually in new motorcoach sales and tax revenue, a loss of tens of millions of dollars in contracts requiring newer vehicles, and delays in the implementation of new motorcoach safety equipment required by California law. Additional workshops and meetings are planned in the coming weeks before a final decision is rendered.

Click here to view a recording of the hearing.

A number of states are in alignment with California and will seek to adopt their new emissions regulations once finalized.

Pictured: Steven Cliff, CARB; Gage Kelly, ABC Companies; Suzanne Rohde, ABA