| December 2012 | Past Issues/Subscribe | Printer-Friendly | Advertise |
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 15 - 16, 2013
VENDOR NEWS
 The new Cat® D Series Mini Hydraulic Excavators – models 301.7D, 302.2D and 302.4D are powerful, versatile machines that work comfortably in confined spaces and an addition to the existing D Series line-up. With model configurations that closely reflect their operating weights (1.6 to 2.5 metric tons), the new machines feature powerful hydraulics, a spacious operator environment and excellent service access. Compact in size, the 301.7D, 302.2D and 302.4D can be easily transported on a trailer, or in a pick-up truck.
Learn More...  Vermeer completes its family of mini skid steers with the addition of the S450TX. The newest member of the Vermeer® mini skid steer family is well suited for rental customers, as well as landscapers and general contractors who need a compact machine that can perform various tasks. With its ability to accommodate a wide range of attachments, the S450TX is one of the most versatile machines a contractor can have.
Learn More...  In November, the Charles Machine Works (CMW®), Inc., manufacturer of Ditch Witch® underground construction equipment, announced the release of its latest vacuum excavator: the Ditch Witch FX50. Ditch Witch vacuum excavators are designed for a wide range of cleanup and soft excavation tasks. Municipalities and construction crews utilize the exceptional suction power and water pressure of Ditch Witch vacuum excavators for such tasks as cleaning out sewers and valve boxes, horizontal directional drilling support, removing road construction debris, and for soft excavation tasks such as posthole digging and "potholing," or exposing utilities to verify their exact location prior to underground construction.
Learn More...  Multiquip, a diverse manufacturer and supplier of world class quality products and solutions, presented the Greater Long Beach Chapter of The American Red Cross with a donation on Wednesday, November 21, to help support those in the Northeast affected by Superstorm Sandy. "Everyone at Multiquip was deeply saddened by the devastation Sandy caused and wanted to assist those affected," said Tom Yasuda, Chief Executive Officer at Multiquip. "Our employees suggested a drive to collect donations. The company decided to make a matching contribution."
Learn More...  John Deere has been named a Thomson Reuters 2012 top 100 Global Innovator. The program honors corporations and institutions that are at the heart of innovation as measured by a series of proprietary patent-related metrics. The list is an initiative of the Intellectual Property Solutions business of Thomson Reuters. The Top 100 methodology rewards companies in four key areas: overall patent volume, patent grant success rate, global reach of the portfolio, and patent influence as evidenced by citations. The research uses a number of key patent and financial indexes to rank innovative practices in companies around the world.
Learn More...  On November 27, 2012, Genie introduced the next generation of the Genie® Z™-45/25 rough terrain articulating boom lift. The redesigned 45 foot boom combines the latest performance technology with new service features to further enhance the most popular member of the Genie boom family. The new Z-45/25 RT is currently in production and available to the ANSI market. The CE version of this newly designed model is slated for production in Italy in mid- 2013.
Learn More...  Doosan Portable Power introduces three new mobile generators — the G70, G85 and G125 — all powered by Tier 4 interim-certified Cummins diesel engines. The three models have been redesigned from the ground up to enhance operator efficiency, and expand versatility through the development of several new options including the availability of the unique Quad Voltage selection feature. A Doosan-exclusive, the Quad Voltage control allows operators to choose 120/240V-1Ø, 208V-3Ø, 480V-3Ø or 600V-3Ø voltage output with the simple flip of a switch.
Learn More... BUSINESS NEWS
The California Chamber of Commerce recently released a list of new employment laws scheduled to take effect in 2013 or earlier that will have an impact on businesses in California. There have been significant changes in key areas, such as anti-discrimination protections, employee access to personnel records and employer access to personal social media accounts. Other laws relate to specific industries, such as farm labor contractors and temporary services employers.
Learn More... A recent article on foxandhoundsdaily.com, by John Kabateck, California Executive Director, National Federation of Independent Business, addressed the worry of small business owners about what's in store for them in 2013. Kabateck pointed out that coming off the November election, they certainly have a legitimate reason to be concerned. With the passage of Prop. 30 and increased taxes, a massive and costly new healthcare law and unresolved "Fiscal Cliff" headed their way, they have to be wondering – what’s next?
Learn More... The California Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit in November seeking to invalidate California’s "cap and trade" auction, arguing that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) exceeded the authority granted to it under AB 32 in establishing the revenue raising program. The complaint asserts that AB 32 does not authorize CARB to impose fees other than those needed to cover ordinary administrative costs of implementing a state emissions regulatory program. "What was not authorized by AB 32 is the Board’s decision to withhold for itself a percentage of the annual statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions allowances and to auction them off to the highest bidders, thus raising from taxpayers up to $70 billion or more of revenue for the state to use," according to the complaint.
Learn More... A recent article on foxandhoundsdaily.com by Michael Bernick, former California Employment Development Department Director & Milken Institute Fellow, discussed the possibility that Proposition 39 (developed by Mr. Thomas Steyer and approved last month by California voters) may well spur sustainable job creation in energy efficiency and perhaps alternative energy production. Proposition 39 ("Tax Treatment for Multistate Businesses, Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Funding") requires out of state businesses to calculate their California income tax liability based on the percentage of their sales in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates that Prop 39 will generate $1 billion in additional annual state revenues. $550 million per year for five years (total $2.75 billion) is targeted at projects that "create energy efficiency and clean energy jobs" in California. A "Clean Energy Job Creation Fund" is established for the $2.75 billion to fund three categories of expenditures: (1) energy efficiency retrofits and clean energy installations for public schools, universities and public buildings, (2) job training and workforce development on energy efficiency and clean energy projects, and (3) public-private partnerships for Clean Energy programs.
Learn More... The U.S. Energy Information Administration released its December 12 report, forecasting that Brent crude oil prices will decrease modestly in 2013. Prices for Brent crude oil have settled into a fairly well-defined range in the fourth quarter of 2012, moving between $106 and about $116 per barrel since early October. In the fourth quarter of 2011, both the level and the range of Brent prices were similar to current levels. That price environment continued into January of 2012 before prices increased sharply in February and March, resulting in the second consecutive year of substantial first-quarter crude oil price increases. The U.S. Energy Administration's (EIA) December 2012 Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) forecasts the Brent spot price to fall during the first quarter of 2013 rather than rise as it did in early 2012. For 2013 as a whole, EIA expects Brent to average $104 per barrel, an $8-per-barrel decrease from the expected 2012 annual average of $112 per barrel.
Learn More... CARB
Beginning January 1, 2013, portable diesel engines registered in PERP or operating under air district permits must comply with weighted particulate matter (PM) emission fleet averages expressed as grams per brake horsepower-hour (g/bhp-hr). These requirements are part of the Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for diesel PM from portable engines. You can have up to three different fleets depending on the size of the engines in your inventory. The ATCM has emission standards for each fleet depending on engine size range. Click on "Learn More" for a brochure detailing requirements.
Learn More... The Air Resources Board posted a letter from Chairman Mary D. Nichols recently, concerning requirements of the California Truck and Bus Regulation for 1996-2004 model year engines. The purpose of the letter was to remind heavy-duty vehicle owners and operators that requirements for vehicles over 26,000 pounds gross weight rating with 2000 t0 2004 model year engines take effect on January 1, 2013. Click on "Learn More" to read the letter.
Learn More... The links on this page contain formal history of regulation development and related advisories. Advisories are brief policy documents produced by staff to clarify program policies and regulations. Informal Statewide Truck and Bus Regulation meetings and workshops are posted in the Meeting and Workshop Notices. This page was last reviewed October 25, 2012.
Learn More... On July 26, 2007, the Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted a regulation to reduce diesel particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from in-use (existing) off-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles in California. Such vehicles are used in construction, mining and industrial operations. For more information, please call the diesel vehicle information hot line at 866-6DIESEL or 866-634-3735.
Learn More... Owners or operators of portable engines and certain other types of equipment can register their units under the Air Resources Board's (ARB) Statewide Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) in order to operate their equipment throughout California without having to obtain individual permits from local air districts. For 2012, engine manufacturers are required to produce engines in all power categories that are certified to the Interim Tier 4 level. Engines that were produced under the "flex" provisions of either 40 CFR part 89.102 or 1039.625 will continue to be eligible for initial registration in PERP. On July 1, 2012, to apply for initial registration in PERP, all non-flex diesel engines rated 50 bhp and above must be certified to the interim Tier 4 emission standard. The fleet standards from the Portable Engine ATCM take effect January 1, 2013.
Learn More... This area of the Off-Road Mobile Sources website pertains to off-road large spark-ignition (LSI) equipment greater than 25 horsepower, including farm, construction, and industrial equipment, powered by gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other alternate fuels. Typical applications that use LSI engines include forklifts, large turf care equipment, portable generators, and other agricultural, construction, and general industrial equipment.
Learn More... The small off-road engine (SORE) category consists of off-road spark-ignition engines below 25 horsepower, including small utility equipment, lawn mowers and weed trimmers. This category does not include compression-ignition engines, watercraft, or recreational vehicles. ARB has a page on its website that includes general information regarding small off-road engines and ARB's SORE program. Click on "Learn more" to access this page.
Learn More... In December 2011, major amendments to the Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation, which include delaying the first compliance date to no earlier than January 1, 2014, became effective. The changes to the regulation are reflected in the fact sheets, advisories, and answers to frequently asked questions available on...
Learn More... All diesel-fueled trucks, buses, trailers and transportation refrigeration units operating in California, including those based out-of-state, have requirements to reduce air pollution and improve the state's overall air quality. Don't miss the fast-approaching Tractor-Trailer GHG reporting deadlines! The reporting deadline for large fleets was June 1, 2012. The reporting deadline for small fleets is September 1, 2012. Click on "Learn More" or call the California Air Resources Board (ARB) Diesel Hotline at 866-6DIESEL (866-634-3735) for more information. Operators are also available to answer questions in Spanish and Punjabi.
Learn More... The regulation requires diesel trucks and buses that operate in California to be upgraded to reduce emissions. Heavier trucks must be retrofitted with PM filters beginning January 1, 2012, and older trucks must be replaced starting January 1, 2015. By January 1, 2023, nearly all trucks and buses will need to have 2010 model year engines or equivalent. The regulation applies to nearly all privately and federally owned diesel fueled trucks and buses and to privately and publicly owned school buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 pounds. Small fleets with three or fewer diesel trucks can delay compliance for heavier trucks by reporting and there are a number of extensions for low-mileage construction trucks, early PM filter retrofits, adding cleaner vehicles and other situations.
Learn More... The ARB's Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program and Periodic Smoke Inspection Program were adopted into law in 1988 to control excessive smoke emissions and tampering from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses. The Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP) program requires heavy-duty trucks and buses to be inspected for excessive smoke and tampering, and engine certification label compliance. Any heavy-duty vehicle traveling in California, including vehicles registered in other states and foreign countries, may be tested. Owners of trucks and buses found in violation are subject to minimum penalties starting at $300 per violation. The Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) program requires that diesel and bus fleet owners conduct annual smoke opacity inspections of their vehicles and repair those with excessive smoke emissions to ensure compliance. All vehicles that do not pass the test must be repaired and retested. A fleet owner that neglects to perform the annual smoke opacity inspection on applicable vehicles is subject to a penalty of $500 per vehicle, per year.
Learn More...  Driving Toward a Cleaner California (DTCC) is a coalition of owner-operators, farmers, construction contractors and other business and community leaders committed to working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to craft a sensible truck and bus replacement rule that both cleans the air and keeps California's economy moving forward.
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