What is the In-Use Off-Road Diesel Regulation?
Initially adopted in 2007 by CARB, this regulation applies to all self-propelled off-road diesel vehicles of 25 horsepower or greater used in California, including vehicles that are rented or leased. Its purpose is to reduce diesel particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from in-use (existing) off-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles in California. Click here to learn more.
What is Required Beginning 2024?
CARB approved amendments in 2022 that will start to phase-in beginning January 1, 2024 through the end of 2036.
Beginning January 1, 2024, all California fleets subject to this regulation are required to procure and only use R99 or R100 renewable diesel fuel in all vehicles subject to the Off Road Regulation, with some limited exceptions.
We’ve Got Your Renewable Fuel Needs Covered
In line with the upcoming off-road mandate for renewable diesel, effective January 1st, 2024, we have converted our dyed diesel only pump to Renewable Dyed Diesel. This environmentally friendly alternative will not only meet the new regulations but also provide a cleaner and more sustainable choice for your fueling needs.
At Greg’s Petroleum Service, we are committed to offering you a comprehensive range of renewable diesel solutions. This means that we are not only your go-to source for off-road and dyed diesel but also for clear diesel. Our renewable diesel (both clear and dyed) is available in full loads and tank wagon quantities, ensuring that we can cater to all your specific fuel requirements.
Record Keeping
Each fleet must maintain documents that demonstrate compliance with the renewable diesel requirements outlined in Section 2449.1(f) Renewable Diesel Requirements of the Regulation Order on page 87 (linked below).
- These documents must show: the date and volumes of fuel purchased and could include receipts of fuel purchases, purchase orders, or fueling contracts.
- Each fleet owner shall maintain the records required under this provision for three calendar years from the date the transaction is completed.
Click here to read the Regulation Order.
Reporting
Vehicle owners are to submit all reporting pieces for this regulation to CARB via the online reporting tool DOORS: click here for access.
When a diesel vehicle is reported in DOORS, the vehicle is assigned a unique equipment identification number (EIN). The vehicle must be labeled within 30 days of receiving this EIN. You can learn more about labeling and reporting in DOORS on the DOORS Resources page.
Exemptions
Below is an overview of the existing exemptions under this portion of the regulation. You can find this information in Section 2449.1(f)(2) and 2449.1(f)(3) of the Regulation Order for reference. (page 86 – 88)
- Unable to Procure
A fleet may be exempt from the renewable diesel fuel requirements if they are unable to procure R99 or R100 renewable diesel fuel as defined by the regulation. However, fleet owners are required to keep records describing the normal refueling methods, their documented attempts to procure renewable diesel fuel and proof that shows they were not able to procure renewable diesel (i.e., correspondence or contractor bids).
- Operations in Captive Attainment Areas
Any fleet or fleet portion that is designated a captive attainment area fleet is exempt from the renewable diesel fuel requirements. This includes fleets where the equipment exclusively operates in designated areas as defined under 2449(c)(6). This exemption also applies to any vehicle while operating in one of the counties listed under 2449(c)(6).
- Tier 4 Final Fleets
Any fleet or fleet portion that are entirely comprised of vehicles with Tier 4 final off-road engines, model year 2010 or newer on-road engines, or zero-emission vehicles are exempt from the renewable diesel fuel requirements. The use of renewable diesel fuel has less of an emissions reduction impact when used in engines with advanced emission control technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filters.
- Cold Weather Exemptions
There are two types of low-temperature exemptions. In both cases, the temperature threshold is 20 degrees Fahrenheit (20⁰ F), and both exemptions require additional reporting.
- Winter low-temperature exemption: Any fleet, fleet portion or vehicle is exempt from the renewable diesel fuel requirements from November through February if it is located or operates in a location where the tenth percentile January low temperature is below 20⁰ F. The analysis may consider up to ten years of historic low temperature data. Historical temperature data may be found through several commercial and governmental weather programs such as the National Weather Service.
REPORTING: Fleet owners must report to CARB by April 30 of the year and reports must include the fleet, fleet portion, or vehicle location, the tenth percentile low temperature used, as well as the volume of renewable diesel and conventional diesel procured during October through February. Reports may be submitted electronically to DOORS@arb.ca.gov or mailed to CARB at:
California Air Resources Board
Mobile Source Control Division (In-Use Off-Road Diesel)
P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, CA 95812
- Intermittent low-temperature exemption: This exemption is for intermittent cold temperature events where the temperature drops or is expected to drop below 20⁰ F. This exemption allows fleets to use the appropriate cold temperature fuel when they operate vehicles in an area that does not meet the requirements of the winter cold temperature exemption (above) or if a cold weather event occurs outside of the months that the winter cold temperature exemption applies. The forecasted temperature must be within 14 days. Examples of valid weather forecasts include, but are not limited to, those made by the National Weather Service, local television or print news, The Weather Channel, and other weather apps. During these low temperature periods, any fleet or fleet portion may procure and use conventional diesel in its vehicles. Once the cold snap has passed, vehicles may use the remaining conventional diesel in the vehicle fuel tank, until the vehicle is refueled. In other words, fleet owners do not have to drain the tank. This exemption is necessary to allow fleets to use the appropriate cold temperature fuel when they operate vehicles in an area that does not meet the requirements in section 2449.1(f)(2)(C) or if a cold weather event occurs outside of the months of November, December, January, and February.
REPORTING: Fleet owners must report to CARB within two weeks of the last exemption date. Reports must include each day conventional diesel was used, the fleet location, the high and low temperature record, including a printout or screenshot for each day of the exemption, and provide the date and source of the temperature record. The report must also provide the volume of renewable conventional diesel fuel. Reports may be submitted electronically to DOORS@arb.ca.gov or mailed to CARB at:
California Air Resources Board
Mobile Source Control Division (In-Use Off-Road Diesel)
P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, CA 95812
Rental Vehicles
You can reference Section 24491(f)(4) of the Regulation Order on page 88 for details on rental vehicles:
- Rental fleets must include language in their rental contract that the recipient of the rented vehicle (renter) must comply with the renewable diesel fuel requirements.
- Rental fleets that include this contract language will not be held liable if the rented vehicle is not compliant.
- Fleets, vehicles, or operations that are exempt from the renewable diesel fuel requirements, or from the Off-Road Regulation entirely, do not need to use renewable diesel in any vehicles that they rent. There is no requirement that the rental company drain fuel from these vehicles.
Thank you for choosing us as your trusted fuel provider. We look forward to continuing to serve you with high-quality renewable diesel (both clear and dyed) and meeting your sustainability needs. If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team. Contact us today!