Idle Diesel 5 minute max regulations (CA)

[cannongeorge]

What do you think about the proposed California regulation to limit idle of diesel engines to 5 minutes maximum?



An earlier draft rule required automatic shutdown devices to stop the engine, after some period of idle, unless an override signal (Brakes, throttle, etc. ) was received by the controller.



The proposed rule has been revised, now only heavy duty vehicles are addressed (WARNING! this could change). Currently, staff is considering that the applicability will cover all model heavy-duty (> 14,000lbs) diesel-powered on-road vehicles. The regulation would apply to all engines operating in California regardless of the state or country in which the engine/vehicle is registered. Staff is in the the very early information gathering stage of regulatory development and encourages public comments and participation.



See:



http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/idling/proposal.pdf

 

[Borush]

That sounds about right for the ARB. This would be something for the Feds to consider, if anyone. The ARB in this state tends to meddle in things that shouldn't concern them. For example, the heavy truck engine makers had an agreement with the Feds (Consent Decree) to reflash ECM's in trucks that were supposedly not meeting emission standards (the problem was with a flawed EPA testing proceedure). The agreement said that engine manufacturers would introduce cleaner engines in Oct. 2002 instead of Jan 2004, and that the engine co's reflash the other engines free of charge at the time of a major overhaul. The ARB has decided that these engines are lasting too long before overhaul and want all owners from California or hauling into California to have the reflash done now, nevermind that the agreement was with Feds and had nothing to do with the ARB. Public hearings on this matter are being scheduled right now. The reflash is to reduce NOX emissions by retarding fuel injection timing, and results in reduced fuel economy and performance.



Stay tuned on this one.





Boyd.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I wonder where I apply for the job of "Idling enforcement" - shucks, if it paid well enough, I'd even provide my own stopwatch...

 

[Borush]

The CHP has plenty of civilian truck inspectors that work at the scales. They even write the tickets and the officers just sign them. Cordelia is close to you.



Boyd.

 

[Truckie]

Originally posted by Borush

The CHP has plenty of civilian truck inspectors that work at the scales. They even write the tickets and the officers just sign them.



Boyd.

Are we talk en regular civilian people that are writing these tickets, that don't even work for California DOT??

MIKE

 

[Borush]

These are people who are trained and certified truck safety inspectors that work for the CHP at weigh stations. They are not peace officers, but work in the presence of the CHP officers at some of the larger truck inspection facilities in California.



BTW, I am not complaining about this. Truck safety is a necessity and the number of inspections has risen quite a bit since 9/11. They usually have some cool, but scary pictures on display of violations that have been found.



Boyd.

 

[Doubleclutch]

Wonder if Diesel Locomotives will be exempt. Lots of non antifreeze gallons in the radiators on those puppies.

 

[Joe G.]

I'm wondering where they are going to get the budget to enforce this idle limitation. Maybe at scales with existing people. Normal smog inspection stuff is not enforced here in the boondocks until the vehicle changes hands. I got stopped for going a little fast D) once. The lights on the CHP car lit up in the smoke cloud behind me. He didn't say anything about that while he was criticising my speed.

 

[David Oxland]

Good point Doubleclutch Lots of EMD 2 strokes ticking over and they're pretty dirty that way