The Air Resources Board (ARB) held a workshop last week on its Mobile Source Strategy. This included one of the first discussions with staff on how ARB would implement the governor’s ban on gas and diesel vehicles.
Among the many concerns raised: Incentives dollars are far from guaranteed for farmers and ranchers to upgrade tractors and equipment.
Cory Parmer, who manages the off-road diesel program, said incentives grants have been very successful with reducing emissions from ag. Without the funding, however, the board would have to reconsider the emissions mandates, he acknowledged. Staff also noted the executive order mentions the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate for off-road equipment applies “when feasible,” allowing for wiggle room.
“There may be significant places in ag where ZEVs are a good fit, and then other places where the cleanest diesel remains the best fit for now,” said Parmer.
