Engine Emissions: What’s Coming

AEM continues to interact with its members through various avenues, such as the association's Engine Emissions Technical Committee (EETC), to examine the existing engine emissions regulatory environment, identify requirements that may be coming down the pipeline, and to collaboratively explore the available technologies to address them.

For example, one of the primary focuses of the EETC is to engage with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on its mobile-source emission reduction strategies, such as the potential amendments to the off-road diesel engine standards (Tier 5) and the Phased Advanced Clean Equipment (PACE) Regulation, formerly known as the Off-Road Zero-Emission Targeted Manufacturer Rule, or TMR. While things have remained relatively quiet since CARB's October 2023 workshop, CARB staff has recently announced upcoming virtual public workshops for both of these items.

The Tier 5 workshop will be held on Sept. 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. PDT. The workshop will provide stakeholders and opportunity to comment and ask questions regarding any new developments within the potential regulatory concepts. CARB staff has noted that the presentation materials, including the Draft Proposed Regulation Order, intends to be released in advance to allow stakeholders time to review.

The PACE workshop will be held on Sept. 24, 2024, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. PDT. The proposed concept for the PACE Regulation would require manufacturers of off-road equipment and/or engines to produce zero-emission equipment and/or powertrains as a percentage of their annual statewide sales volume to ensure these emerging and innovative technologies come to California. Materials will be made available on the PACE webpage prior to the workshop as well.

Regulatory activities such as these, that are aimed at reducing emissions and accelerating the development and production of zero-emission off-road equipment and powertrains, require OEMs to consider a variety of approaches to meet the requirements. It also reinforces the importance of industry collaboration between engine/powertrain suppliers, component suppliers, and equipment OEMs in this increasingly challenging environment.

Industry events, such as the Power Progress Summit, are a great resource for members to connect and discuss viable solutions with one another. The sixth annual Summit, Oct. 1-2, 2024, at the Voco Chicago Downtown Hotel in Chicago, is a day and a half of presentations centered around "Developments in Digitalization & Decarbonization." To learn more, visit the official event website.

In addition to keynote speakers from Caterpillar and Cummins, the conference will feature presentations from multiple AEM members, including Hatz Americas, AGCO, Volvo Penta, Gradall, KGP Powertrain Intelligence, and more! NOTE - OEMs are encouraged to take advantage of the special VIP package offer!

For more information on the activity of AEM's Engine Emissions Technical Committee, please contact AEM Technical Director Travis Webb at [email protected].

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