As many companies are starting to see pricing for 2022 truck orders, PMTA has heard from several members about steep and unexpected cost increases. After making some inquiries, PMTA has learned about new California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements going into effect in Pennsylvania next year that are leading to increases in the price of new trucks purchased in the state.

In a regulation promulgated nearly 20 years ago, Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) adopted CARB’s emissions standards by reference for diesel-powered vehicles weighing over 14,000 lbs. As a result, any time CARB revises its rules, Pennsylvania’s Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program automatically updates to adopt the California rules.

As a result, no action is needed on the part of Pennsylvania to adopt CARB requirements going into effect for heavy-duty trucks in the future. This is true for important requirements going into effect in just a few months.

Warranty Provisions for Heavy-Duty Trucks - 2022

For the year 2022, CARB requires the warranty period for emissions controls systems in trucks to be extended significantly. Currently, the warranty period for class 4 through 8 trucks is five years, 100,000 miles or 3,000 operation hours, whichever comes first. Next year, the five-year limit will remain, but the hour limit is eliminated, and the mileage is extended to:

• ·         350,000 miles for class 8 vehicles
• ·         150,000 miles for class 6 and 7 vehicles, and
• ·         110,000 miles for class 4 and 5 vehicles.

The extension of these warranty restrictions is resulting in significant increases in the cost of trucks next year. The warranty requirements for Class 8 trucks will further increase to 600,000 miles in 2031.

PMTA’s understanding is that CARB compliance certification will be necessary for any trucks titled or registered in PA. PMTA is seeking additional clarification and information from DEP and other state resources, and we will provide updates as we have them.

ZEV Requirements for Light-Duty Trucks and Passenger Vehicles - 2026

For passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 8,500 lbs, DEP is in the process of drafting regulations to implement CARB’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) requirements for these vehicles. The PA Clean Vehicles Program rulemaking, which would require a minimum percentage of vehicles sold in Pennsylvania to be ZEV vehicles, is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2022.

Omnibus Low-NOx Rule for Heavy-Duty Trucks - 2024

Members should be aware that, absent changes, Pennsylvania will also adopt CARB’s Omnibus Low-NOx Rule, which dramatically reduces NOx emissions by overhauling emissions standards, testing procedures, and other emissions-related requirements for heavy-duty engines starting in 2024. There is ongoing concern about the technical feasibility of these requirements, in addition to their cost.

Please note that, even though Pennsylvania was one of 15 states to sign onto CARB’s Advanced Clean Truck Regulation in 2020, this step would not be automatic, but would require DEP to promulgate new regulations through a public process. The Advanced Clean Truck Regulation would require that by 2045, every truck sold in Pennsylvania be zero-emission.

PMTA continues to monitor these regulatory changes and will keep members informed.