CCM is part of a coalition that is working with CARB on a study to evaluate Ag diesel equipment activity in the San Joaquin Valley. The data collection and analysis is being done by UC Riverside and Fresno State. The results of the study will, in part, dictate how CARB proceeds with future emissions standards. Importantly, we are confident that the data will show a positive trend and justify continued funding for incentive programs. For the accuracy of the study, it’s important that we have participation from all commodities.
We would greatly appreciate it if you would consider participating in the study. Participants in the study and the data gathered from individual pieces of equipment will be confidential. We worked with CARB and UC Riverside to guarantee this anonymity. CCM staff is participating in weekly update calls with the research team to ensure the project is on track.
If you would like to participate, please contact CCM Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby at (559) 737-8899 or alyssa@cacitrusmutual.com as soon as possible.
The study is currently underway and there is a significant shortage of citrus operations. More representation is needed from the citrus industry to ensure the final report is truly reflective of ag equipment activity occurring in the Central Valley. All engine sizes and tiers are needed, however, there is a greater need for small and large size engines. Small engines are between 25 and 75 horsepower. Large engines are between 300 and 600 horsepower.
Background:
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) developed the 2011 agricultural emissions inventory based on a 2008 survey of diesel agricultural equipment over 25 horsepower. This inventory has significantly improved the Board’s understanding of California’s agricultural equipment population, usage, emissions, and the importance of incentives.
With the help of agricultural stakeholders, CARB completed a new 2018 survey, which will be used to update the agricultural emissions inventory. However, the agricultural equipment survey is insufficient to understand real-world activity patterns and fuel consumption in agricultural engines, and there is a lack of data on how agricultural engine operation differs from other off-road equipment.
This research project will collect ECU data related to engine and aftertreatment performance, such as engine load, fuel economy, and aftertreatment malfunction and maintenance information. This research will also compare the equipment functionality, fuel economy, durability, and maintenance cost of newer (Tier 3 and 4) and older (Tier 1 and 2) agricultural engines. The results will help ensure that the agricultural industry is properly represented in the development of future emission inventories and engine certification standards and is meeting needed emissions reductions through current and future incentive programs.
The objective of this research is to collect accurate real-world data from agricultural equipment to improve the emission inventory, and to inform policies, incentive programs and the development of future off-road engine emission standards.
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