Phase Out Timeline in the Zero Emission Forklift Regulation

CARB Adopts Zero Emission Forklift Regulation

by Ryan Huggins

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has unanimously adopted the Zero Emission Forklift Regulation, following extensive public comment and questions from CARB Board members. This landmark regulation aims to improve public health and air quality by transitioning approximately 90,000 forklifts from gasoline or propane to zero-emission alternatives, such as electric, by 2038.

The regulation mandates that large-spark ignition forklifts be phased out by 2038, with the transition timeline illustrated below:

Forklift MY Phase-out Timeline

Key points of the regulation include:

  • Forklift Exceptions: Certain forklifts are exempt, including those with low usage, over 12,000 lbs capacity, and diesel-powered units.
  • Reporting Requirements: All entities must begin reporting compliance starting in 2026.
  • Phase-Out Caps: There are percentage caps on the annual phase-out requirements.
  • Rental Fleet Impacts: The regulation affects rental fleets, particularly the phasing out of seasonal propane rentals.
  • New Sales: The sale of new propane forklifts will be phased out, starting in 2026.
  • Utility Delays: Documentation is required for any delays in providing electrical service upgrades.

Based on discussions with leading forklift dealers, PineSpire notes that the regulation will impact the supply of large-spark ignition forklifts being moved out of California and increase the demand for electric lifts within the state. This ruling is expected to have nationwide significance.

For more information and a detailed phase-out requirement schedule, please contact PineSpire.

California’s Zero Emission Forklift Rule – Final Ruling!

by pinespire

The Zero Emission Forklift Rule has been in development with CARB and the final rule was published this past week. This rule is phasing out the use of propane forklifts in California and requiring the use of zero-emission engines (such as electric) instead. PineSpire has been following the rule-making closely and keeping our partners up-to-date on the latest changes throughout the process. This week, CARB released the final rule. We’ve summarized major updates for you below.

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California’s Zero Emission Forklift Rule Updates

by Nancy Brockman

The Zero Emission Forklift Rule is currently in development, with CARB approval expected in 2023. This rule is phasing out the use of propane forklifts in California and requiring the use of Zero Emission engines (such as electric or hydrogen) instead. PineSpire is following the rulemaking closely and keeping our partners up-to-date on the latest changes. In July, CARB released the latest draft Rule. We’ve summarized major updates for you below.

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CARB LCFS Workshop

CARB Proposes Updates to the LCFS Regulation

by Nancy Brockman

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently held a workshop for stakeholders in the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program. The presentation included the much-anticipated proposed updates to the Carbon Intensity standards in the program as well as a few new concepts. PineSpire has summarized two key proposed changes for you below.

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CARB announces Concessions in Draft Zero-Emissions Forklift Rule

by pinespire
Thinking of switching over from propane to electric? Now’s the perfect time!

CARB recently hosted a webinar to provide updates on the draft Zero-Emissions Forklift rule.  These updates included a few significant changes to the proposed regulation based on the feedback received from the industry: 

  1. Diesel forklifts will not be subject to this rule and will remain regulated under the Off-Road Diesel Rule 
  1. Zero Emission Forklift rule implementation will be delayed until 2026 

While these changes are good news for many businesses, particularly with diesel fleets, there are still major implications of the rule to be aware of for businesses operating propane forklift fleets: 

  1. The proposed rule will require retiring all internal combustion (i.e. gas or propane) equipment based on model year, not based on the percentage of your fleet.  This could mean major fleet turnover in a single year, depending on your fleet’s age. 
  1. Companies using internal combustion rental equipment to manage peak seasons operations will only receive an annual 30 day allowance for renting propane equipment.  Beyond 30 days, all equipment must be electric, including rentals. 

While PineSpire supports businesses moving their fleets to electric as a long-term financial and environmentally sustainable solution, we also want to ensure that transition is practical from a business perspective.  CARB is specifically requesting to hear from forklift fleet owners on the financial feasibility and equipment availability of the Draft Zero-Emission Forklift Rule.  Do you have a perspective you want to share? Contact us and we will ensure your comments are heard.   

For more information on the Zero-Emission Forklift rulemaking, see part 1 of this series.