Sessions offer information on diesel truck regulations

Farmers and ranchers who operate heavy-duty diesel trucks may participate in educational training programs on the state's new emissions regulations for these vehicles. The California Air Resources Board will conduct training events at county Farm Bureau offices and other sites in coming weeks.

The training on new compliance and reporting requirements for equipment owners will include information on idling limits, the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program, engine labeling and tractor/trailer greenhouse gas rules.

Also covered in the training sessions will be rules related to transport refrigeration units, as well as information on funding opportunities for replacing and retrofitting equipment.

The ultimate goal of the regulation is for on-road, heavy-duty, diesel-fueled vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 pounds (with some exceptions) to have a 2010 model-year engine or equivalent by Jan. 1, 2023.

"Because of the complexity and expense of these new diesel emissions regulations, farmers need to understand how their specific operations will be affected," said Cynthia Cory, California Farm Bureau Federation environmental affairs director.

The popularity of these events may vary, Cory said, so it's best to plan attendance in advance. Certain training classes will focus on tractor/trailer greenhouse gas regulation compliance, while others will focus on agricultural vehicle extension reporting.

A number of regulations are now in effect that require diesel engine owners to take steps to reduce their engine emissions. All truck owners must maintain engines so that they do not smoke excessively, must limit unnecessary idling and meet other state emission reduction requirements.

Upcoming Agricultural Vehicle Provisions Compliance and Reporting Workshops include:

• Feb.14, 1 p.m., Sonora, Sonora Opera Hall, 250 S. Washington St.
• Feb.15, 1 p.m., Visalia, Tulare County Farm Bureau, 737 N. Ben Maddox Way
• Feb.16, 9 a.m., Fresno, Fresno County Farm Bureau, 1274 W. Hedges Ave.
• Feb.17, 10 a.m., Moreno Valley, Riverside County Farm Bureau, 21160 Box Springs Road, Suite 102
• Feb. 22, 2 p.m., Yuba City, Sutter County Agriculture Department, 142 Garden Hwy.
• Feb. 23, 10 a.m., Woodland, Yolo County Farm Bureau, 69 W. Kentucky Ave.
• Feb. 24, 1 p.m., Hollister, Hollister Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., Suite 204
• Feb. 25, 9 a.m., Salinas, Monterey County Farm Bureau, 931 Blanco Circle
• March 1, 10 a.m., Red Bluff, location to be determined
• March 3, 1 p.m., El Centro, Imperial County Farm Bureau, 1000 Broadway
• March 4, 9 a.m., Escondido, San Diego County Farm Bureau, 1670 E. Valley Parkway
• March 7, 9 a.m., Santa Rosa, call Sonoma County Farm Bureau for information: 707-544-5575
• March 7, 2 p.m., Ukiah, Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, Fine Arts Building, 1055 North State St.

Additional information about each event is available online at www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/training.htm or by calling toll-free, 866-6diesel.