Calif. Extends Soot Filter Deadline for Some Truckers

California environmental regulators said they will give truckers operating in the state who show “good faith efforts” additional time beyond the Jan. 1 compliance deadline requiring most heavy-trucks to install particulate filters.

The California Air Resources Board estimated 20,000 need filters by the end of this year.

However, agency officials said CARB will delay enforcement of the requirement until July 1 for those carriers who show proof that they have entered into agreements with authorized soot retrofit installers, signed a contract to buy a 2007 or newer model-year engine or have been approved or denied a loan or other financing for a retrofit or replacement truck.

“These changes will help businesses meet the cleanup requirements in a way that will not compromise the health benefits or emissions reductions that this vitally important regulation will achieve over its lifetime,” CARB Executive Officer Richard Corey said.