In an effort to meet California’s air quality and greenhouse gas reduction goals, Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-79-20 directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to achieve 100 percent zero emissions for off-road vehicles and equipment operations by 2035 where feasible.
As part of that executive action, CARB is accelerating the deployment of zero-emission technology in forklifts within fleets by 2026 and continues to hold meetings to outline potential regulatory concepts for a zero-emission forklift rule.
Specifically, the zero-emission forklift regulation outlined by CARB would require all forklifts sold or rented in California – with up to a 12,000 lb. lift capacity – to meet a zero-emission standard by 2026. Depending on the size of the operation, 10 percent of the fleet or one forklift per fleet may be low-usage (200 hours or less), propane-powered forklifts until 2031. However, by a date yet to be determined in 2031, 100 percent of all forklift fleets must be zero-emission.
Ag Council, along with other agricultural advocacy groups, are actively meeting with CARB Chair Liane Randolph and staff on the rulemaking process for this upcoming regulation. Ag stakeholders are expressing concerns and challenges regarding the proposed regulation. These include grid stability, rising utility costs, equipment availability, and the compliance timeline.
In response to stakeholder feedback, CARB intends to take a closer look at the impact of this regulation on rural, agricultural communities, particularly in the Central Valley.
A workshop for the forthcoming proposed regulation will be held this summer, and Ag Council will participate. The proposed regulation is set to be brought before CARB in 2023.
Please click HERE to read additional information on CARB’s website.