California to vote on diesel engine exhaust retrofits

On December 11th California will be voting on bringing in new regulations to phase in diesel engine exhaust retrofits for 2010 followed by engine replacement in 2012.

In a move to reduce engine emissions, any truck that operates within the state borders and weighs over 14,000 lbs/6,350 kgs will be required to have particulate filters fitted.  Fleets with 3 or less trucks will be exempt from the regulations until 2012 when the phase in plan will require at least one of the trucks to be newer than 2004 or have an exhaust retrofit.

The exhaust retrofit particulate filers are expected to cost firms $10,000 to $12,000 each (roughly £6,700 to £8,000).  Penalties for non-compliance will be $1,000 to $10,000 per day.