California adopts Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation

28 June 2024

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed the Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation that will phase out the operation of large spark-ignited (LSI) forklifts in California and require the use of zero-emission alternatives such as electric forklifts.

Under the rule, manufacturers cannot produce or sell, for use in California, Class IV and Class V LSI forklifts with a rated capacity of up to 12,000 lbs—categories that largely operate on propane, gasoline and natural gas—beginning in 2026. These forklift categories are based on classifications used by OSHA.

The rule also phases out the use of spark-ignited forklifts by large fleets, defined as 26 units or more, starting in 2028. Smaller fleets will phase out use of spark-ignited forklifts starting in 2029. The phase-out schedules apply to forklifts that are 10 years old or older.

The rule addresses more than 89,000 spark-ignited forklifts currently operating in the state. CARB estimates that more than 2 tons of NOx emissions will be avoided per day by 2031. Forklifts are well-suited for widespread adoption of zero-emission technology, according to CARB, and about half of forklift sales in California today are zero-emission.

The regulation includes compliance exemptions for special circumstances including low-use LSI forklifts, emergency operation forklifts, and forklifts used in the field for agricultural or forest operations. The regulation also included compliance extensions for delays with infrastructure construction, infrastructure site electrification, zero-emission forklift delivery, and operational issues if a zero-emission forklift cannot meet an operator’s needs.

Currently, forklifts in California are regulated by the Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation, which was last amended in 2016 and targets fleets of four and over and does not include provisions for the phase out of large spark-ignition forklifts.

Source: CARB