California Air Resources Board Approves Regulatory Proposals To Be Adopted In 2019

On October 25, 2018, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved two regulatory proposals, both of which are intended to help eliminate refueling station over-pressurization events which result in unwanted emissions when refueling a vehicle. One rule pertains to revisions to existing refueling pump nozzle requirements. A second rule addresses vehicle fill pipe requirements.

At the hearing the Board adopted staff’s proposed nozzle changes by first approving Resolution #18-46. The rule revises existing nozzle dimensional specifications and adds sixteen (16) new specifications for refueling nozzles. The revised dimensional requirements would apply to “assist” nozzles at new gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs) constructed after the regulatory amendment adoption date and replacement parts installed for assist nozzles at existing facilities after the proposed regulatory amendment adoption date. In approving Resolution #18-46, the Board agreed to have staff issue a future 15-day notice that will address a few minor revisions to the proposal.

The Board also adopted a second resolution (#18-47) in support of staff’s proposed revised vehicle fill pipe specifications. The revised fill pipe specifications will be phased-in starting with the 2022 model year. Specifically, in the 2022 model year, 25 percent of the vehicles produced by a regulated manufacturer must comply with the revised requirements. For the 2023 model year, 50 percent of manufacturer’s fleet must comply. 100 percent of 2024MY vehicles must comply with the new requirements. Small volume manufacturers may skip the 2022MY and 2023MY requirements. They would be permitted to comply at the 100 percent level in 2024MY.

According to the presentation made by CARB staff, industry stakeholders were mostly supportive of the proposed fill pipe amendments; however, they requested CARB relax the Performance Leak Standard and make minor clarifications to the Dimensional Specifications and Bench Test Procedure. A 15-day notice is going to be issued to address the requested clarifications. As for the request that CARB relax the Performance leak Standard, staff said that they would only go forward with an alternative standard if industry provides additional supporting information justifying the request.

It is anticipated that the two rules will be officially adopted sometime in 2019.

Check out staff presentations below for more information:

• Nozzle amendments presentation
• Fill Pipe Spec amendments presentation

Visit the following for more information related to the two notices: Nozzle amendments and fill pipe spec amendments.