California ARB releases draft assessment of heavy-duty technology and fuels

13 April 2015

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has released a draft Heavy-Duty Technology and Fuels Assessment report that outlines the agency’s strategy to reduce criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, to meet California long-term emission targets.

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California needs a 90% reduction in NOx emissions by 2031—said the ARB—and an 80% reduction in GHG emissions below 1990 levels by 2050 to meet air quality and climate targets. Significant improvements in efficiency and the use of renewable fuels are also needed to meet the California Governor’s 50% petroleum reduction target by 2030, and continued reductions in diesel PM and air toxics are necessary to protect public health. Achieving each of these goals will require a transition to zero and near-zero emission technologies in all mobile sources, said the agency.

The report covers several heavy-duty technology sectors, including:

• trucks and buses,
• transport refrigeration units,
• locomotives,
• fuels—both conventional and alternative,
• ocean-going vessels,
• commercial harbor craft,
• cargo handling equipment, and
• aviation—including aircraft and ground support equipment.

The assessment focuses on zero and near-zero emission technologies, including fuel cell vehicles, hybrids, and various electric vehicle technologies—that are believed to ultimately be necessary to meet long-term air quality and climate goals. The report also covers improvements to conventional technologies, as well as gains in vehicle and freight system operational efficiency that could provide near-term emission reductions and help facilitate the transition to zero and near-zero emission technologies.

The agency is accepting public comments on the report.

Source: California ARB