CARB adopts new emission requirements for transport refrigeration units
25 February 2022
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved amendments to its rule for Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) operating in the state. The 2022 amendments will require a variety of actions designed to reduce TRU emissions and accelerate their transition to zero-emission technologies.
The new requirements include the transition of diesel-powered truck TRUs to zero‑emission; a PM emission standard for newly manufactured non-truck TRU engines (on trailers, domestic shipping containers, railcars, and generator set units); the use of lower global warming potential refrigerants; facility registration and reporting; expanded reporting and labeling; and fees.
Beginning 31 December 2022:
- Newly-manufactured truck TRUs, trailer TRUs, and domestic shipping container TRUs are required to use a refrigerant with a global warming potential less than or equal to 2,200 or no refrigerant at all.
- Model-year 2023 and newer trailer TRUs, domestic shipping container TRUs, railcar TRUs, and TRU generator set engines are required to meet a lower PM emission standard that aligns with the United States Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 final off‑road PM emission standard for 25‑50 hp engines.
Beginning December 31, 2023:
- Owners of refrigerated warehouses and distribution centers, grocery stores, seaport facilities, and intermodal railyards (building size of ≥20,000 square feet), referred to as “applicable facilities”, are required to register with CARB, pay fees every three years, and report all TRUs that operate at their facility. Alternatively they may attest that only compliant TRUs operate at their facility.
- TRU owners are required to report all TRUs (including those based out-of-state) that operate in California to CARB, pay TRU operating fees, and affix CARB compliance labels to their TRU every three years.
- TRU owners are required to turnover at least 15% of their truck TRU fleet (defined as truck TRUs operating in California) to zero-emission technology each year (for seven years). All truck TRUs operating in California are required to be zero‑emission by 31 December 2029.
Source: CARB