Retrofit device sales for trucks and buses in California continue at slow pace
06 August 2012
Sales of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) for in-use, on-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles operating in California continue at a slow pace, according to the results of a survey released today by the Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association (MECA).
According to the results, the total number of verified DPFs sold by MECA member companies for in-use, on-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles operating in California in the first half of 2012 is 3,030 (including both passive and active filters). Retrofit device manufacturers were expecting this number to be much higher due to the requirements of the California Air Resources Board’s in-use truck and bus regulation (finalized in December 2008 and amended in December 2010).
Under the regulation, ARB projected that approximately 12,000 filters would be installed in 2012 (to meet a 1 January 2013 compliance deadline) and that approximately 66,000 filters overall would be installed from 2011 through 2015.
ARB has designated the month of August as “Gear Up for Clean Truck Month” in order to send a clear message that the agency’s in-use truck and bus regulation is in effect and being enforced. Throughout the month, ARB says outreach and enforcement teams will conduct inspections at weigh scales, random roadside locations, fleet facilities, truck stops, and other areas where diesel vehicles are present to ensure full compliance with the regulation’s requirements. Enforcement actions will involve fleet citations and audits.
ARB’s announcement on stepping up enforcement of their truck and bus regulation this month is warranted and welcomed based on the lackluster California retrofit sales reported by MECA members so far this year. The clean air benefits of the truck and bus regulation can only be realized if the requirements are effectively enforced.
—MECA’s executive director, Joseph Kubsh
Judging by the number of stinky, smoking diesels on the roads around here, it's no surprise to me that truckers are lagging on getting DPFs installed.
There's a meat packing company near me that has probably a dozen trucks parked on adjacent roads w/refrigeration trailer trucks w/generators to keep the trailers cool. Noisy and stinky - seems like an opportunity for some sort of shorepower solution... At least most of this company's trucks appear to have DPFs on the cabs and the a good number of the trailers have aero skirts...
Posted by: Dave R | 06 August 2012 at 11:57 AM