Diesel Motors

The burning of fossil fuels, especially diesel, contributes several regulated air pollutants including particulate matters PM10 and PM2.5, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx which forms ozone (see VOCs) which are regulated through the Clean Air Act by U.S. EPA. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has declared diesel soot a toxic air contaminant.  CARB has been developing regulations for all major sources of diesel emissions.  For stationary motors, such as diesel pumps, the local air districts have jurisdiction in addition to CARB. Thus, over the last 10 years several  different regulations to reduce the emissions from diesel burning have been issued by both air districts and by CARB.

Growers have been affected by regulations for:

Diesel Pumps

• Permits  and criteria on diesel pumps  

• Permit-exempt diesel pumps but still require registration

• Stationery ag equipment, including pumps

• Stationery diesel equipment

Mobile Diesel Engines

• Mobile diesel equipment including trucks, boats and farm equipment

• Truck diesel motor retrofit/replacement rules

• Ag off-road equipment

All of these rules have deadlines for replacing or retrofitting older motors with cleaner burning motors or technologies. Often the deadlines vary based on the age and the amount of pollution a motor contributes.