Cleaner Cargo Equipment Gets a Lift

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Air board limits dirtiest engines and approves incentives for cleaner technology

California took a cleaner step today toward the modernization of equipment used at ports and railyards: The California Air Resources Board (ARB) approved amendments to its landmark regulation on Cargo Handling Equipment (CHE).

When you think of freight pollution, you might picture container ships or trains belching black smoke; but a significant portion of this pollution comes from thousands of small, diesel-fueled machines that move cargo around port and rail facilities throughout the state. These specialized machines, such as cranes and heavy-duty forklifts, cause particular concern because they are used near communities already struggling with heavy pollution.

The goal of the original 2005 regulation was to reduce diesel PM emissions by 85% and smog-forming nitrogen oxides by 75% by 2020. This would be accomplished with diesel-emission control systems on existing equipment or replacement with cleaner engines. After flirting with across-the-board exemptions, the ARB proposed scaled-down amendments to provide flexibility for compliance if retrofit technology was not commercially available.

The Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) successfully fought to limit compliance extensions for the dirtiest engines. We also won an amendment incentivizing the switch to electric and hybrid equipment, as well as a commitment from ARB staff to conduct a technical assessment of available ultra-clean technology for CHE in 2012.

CCA Deputy Director of Campaigns Luis Cabrales testified at today’s ARB board meeting. “Diesel exhaust accounts for an estimated 80% of California’s cancer risk from air pollution,” notes Cabrales. “These new amendments are an important move toward reducing the impacts that the freight industry has on our health.”

When trade through California ports dropped during the recent recession, thousands of pieces of equipment were parked or retired. Now, as cargo volumes rebound, shipping companies have a unique opportunity to start clean with lower-emission equipment and even a move toward zero-emission technologies.