California Air Resources Board Proposes Regulation Mandating Transition to Zero-Emission Airport Shuttles by 2035

The California Air Resources Board has proposed creating new Zero-Emission Airport Shuttle Regulations that will require all airport shuttle fleets in the state to transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035. According to CARB’s policy statement, there are currently almost 1000 public and private airport shuttles operating in California. Since shuttle operation characteristics (i.e. fixed short routes, stop-and-go operation, and low average speeds) are an optimal match with the capabilities of battery vehicles, CARB sees this sector as optimal for switching to ZEVs. This effort will be just one component in California’s broader effort toward transportation electrification, and promotion of fuel cell vehicles. CARB estimates that the proposed regulation will cumulatively reduce GHG emissions, relative to current conditions, by 500,000 metric tons from 2020 to 2040, as well as reducing NOx and criteria pollutants.

The proposal has three major components:

• Annual reporting by airport shuttle fleet operators, starting in 2022.
• For 2026 and later model years, heavy duty ZEV airport shuttles will be required to be certified.
• Fleets must meet compliance deadlines:
  • At least 33 percent of the fleet must be ZEVs by December 31, 2027;
  • At least 66 percent of the fleet must be ZEVs by December 31, 2031;
  • 100 percent by December 31, 2035.

CARB will hold a public hearing on the proposed regulation on February 21, 2019. Interested parties may submit written comments, due no later than 5pm, February 19, 2019.

For more information, contact Lynn Haug (lmh(at)eslawfirm.com) at 916-447-2166.