California Air Resources Board Adopts Advanced Clean Fleet Regulation

In April, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted one of the most aggressive vehicle regulations in the country.  The Advanced Clean Fleet or ACF regulation is focused on converting medium and heavy-duty vehicles to zero emission – battery or fuel cell electric – for most vehicles over 8500 pounds. 

Thanks to advocacy by the waste and wastewater sectors, CARB did recognize that some emergency and essential vehicles need more flexibility and more time to comply with the ACF requirements, especially to avoid further delays on the waste diversion requirements of SB 1383.  As a result, CARB created three different compliance pathways, depending on the type and size of a fleet and its operational needs.  

In its resolution approving the ACF regulation, CARB also recognized the need for multiple, long-term and reliable markets for biomethane.  CARB committed to working with various state agencies, including CalRecycle and the California Natural Resources Agency, as well as local air districts and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies to ensure that the regulation does not slow progress in diverting organic waste from landfills.  CARB staff must also report back to the CARB Board by the end of 2025 with recommendations to achieve the SB 1383 targets, including any necessary regulatory changes.

For more details about the ACF regulation, visit CARB’s website.