In December, 2008 the California Air Resources Board passed the most sweeping emissions rule in the nation. This new reguation starts this year.
According to CARB, diesel exhaust causes cancer, and swift action must be taken in order to save thousands of lives in California. This law is intended for all of the big rigs running around the state, but it affects all vehicles with a gross vehicle rating of over 14,500 pounds. All full sized diesel pick ups that I'm aware of have a GVW rating of at least 19,000 lbs. Exempted are motor homes and private utility vehicles. Fleets have to start complying this year; individual owners have four years to comply. This regulation also affects all out of state diesels that operate in the state. So, if you own a 2009 or earlier model diesel pick up, here's how it affects you:
2002 or earlier: you will not be able to operate this vehicle in California, no matter what state it's registered in, after January 1, 2014. There's a $1000 per day fine if you do operate this vehicle in California after 2014! Plan on saying good bye to your beloved pick up.
2003: you cannot operate this vehicle in California after 2014 unless you install a particulate trap in the exhaust system, at a cost of $10,000 (!) per vehicle. If you install this expensive filter, you can then operate your pick up in California until 2016. Good bye pick up!
2004: same as 2003, except installing a particulate filter will allow you to operate until 2019. Good bye pick up!
2005, 2006: same as 2003, except you can operate until 2020, 2021. Good bye pick up!
2007, 2008, 2009: These newer models meet more stringent emissions standards, so no modification is required. However, these models will not be able to operate in California after 2023. Good by pick up! Wonder why new diesel pick ups are so expensive?
2010: This model year is complient with the emissions regulations, therefore can be operated in California indefinately (or at least until CARB passes new regulations). Some other states are watching California, and plan on similar regulations.
I'd like to add a footnote to this blog. This sweeping regulation, which in effect destroys chattel property rights, was made possible not by elected officials, but by appointed officials who do not have to answer to the public. Will real property rights somehow be next? (This information was gathered from various websites, including manufacturers and installers of particulate traps and CARB's official site).
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