October 18, 2021 - The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) reports the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has formally begun the regulatory process to phase out gas-powered Small Off-Road Engines (SORE), such as lawn and garden equipment and portable generators, and transition new engines to zero-emission equipment (ZEE).

Recently, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 1346 (Berman) which requires CARB to adopt zero-emission rules by July 1, 2022.

CARB’s proposed regulations would set emission standards for smog-forming pollutants to zero for new equipment beginning with Model Year 2024, except for portable generators, which will have stricter emissions standards beginning in 2024 with zero-emission requirements for new engines beginning with Model Year 2028.

Stationary generators are not affected by these regulations. Furthermore, these regulations only apply to the purchase of new equipment; SORE equipment currently in use is not affected and will still be operational. 

On December 9, 2021 at 9:00am, CARB will conduct a public hearing at the CARB Board Meeting to receive public comments. For more information on the rulemaking, see here. Written comments must be received on or before November 29, 2021.
Source: Rural County Representatives of California