California Board Adopts Measure Requiring Zero-Emission Off-Road Engines

The California Air Resources Board on Dec. 9 accredited a measure to mandate zero emissions for small off-road engines, such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers, by 2024. The new requirement amends the board’s existing small off-road engine regulation adopted in 1990. The emissions standards for portable generators, including those used in recreational vehicles, will be stricter starting in 2024 and will be required to meet zero-emissions standards by 2028.

The change applies to new equipment of the model year 2024 and beyond. Therefore, Californians will be allowed to use their current gasoline-powered small off-road engines. Further, future purchases of used equipment or older models are not restricted.

The rule aligns with an executive order issued by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2020, which propels California in the direction of a zero-emission future. The order calls for reduction of smog-forming emissions necessary to ensure California meets future federal air quality standards.

Although off-road engines are small, they are extremely polluting and by 2031 they are projected to produce nearly twice as many smog-forming emissions as light-duty vehicles. The amount of smog-forming emissions generated by a commercial backpack leaf blower in one hour is equivalent to that from a car driving 1,100 miles. By adopting these smog-forming emissions will be cut by 72 tons per day.

Small off-road engines emission standards will be set to zero in two phases under the amended regulation. First, emission standards will be zero for model years 2024 and beyond. Except for generators and big pressure washers, these zero-emission standards will apply to all types of engines sold in California. However, from the model year 2024 onwards, generators and large pressure washers will face emissions levels that are 40-90 percent stricter than the existing standards but do not reach zero. In the second phase, which will begin in 2028, generators and large pressure washers will have zero-emission standards.

The small off-road engines sector offers a wide variety of zero-emission equipment that is quieter and cleaner, according to the board. Through its Zero-Emission Equipment Roadshow program, the regulator offers temporary but free access to zero-emission equipment to municipalities and other entities.

Commercial purchasers of zero-emission equipment will have the option of receiving incentives from the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project, a program designed to advance the positioning of cleaner off-road technologies. The legislature has earmarked $30 million to subsidize zero-emission small off-road equipment for sole proprietors and others in the landscaping business.