CARB Approves New Regulations
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the In-Use Locomotive Regulation on Thursday, April 27 and the Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) Regulations on Friday April 28. The ACF Regulations are of significant importance to CASA members as they require phasing in zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks for truck replacements in the near term (if ZEVs are available). The regulations also do not provide for fleets to expand their compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet vehicles (even those fueled by biomethane) after January 1, 2024. This limits the sector’s ability to accept diverted food waste in support of SB 1383.

However, after two years of working with CARB staff, Board members, and other state agencies, the Board responded to CASA and the wastewater community’s concerns and adopted a Resolution with amendments stating they recognize “…that multiple reliable uses for non-fossil biomethane will be needed for successful implementation (of SB 1383). The Board recognizes the need for coordination meetings with other state agencies such as CEC, CPUC, State Water Resources Control Board, CalRecycle, CDFA, CNRA, CalOSHA and other relevant stakeholders such as the California Association of Sanitation Agencies and the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, to implement SB 1383 and SB 1440. As such, the Board directs staff to prioritize policy discussions related to SB 1383 and SB 1440 implementation…to achieve the SB 1383 target.” Thank you to all those who have been involved in this process, and we look forward to working with state and local agencies to find ways to continue our beneficial use of wastewater biogas!