April 15–16, 2014
CRA Board of Directors Meeting - San Diego, CA

July 15–16, 2014
CRA Board of Directors Meeting - Lake Tahoe, CA

July 17–21, 2014
CRA RV Campout - Lake Tahoe, CA

See CRA's Calendar page for more information on our upcoming events.

 

The new BC2600 series will be the same great Outback® but with next-generation features, ergonomics and productivity. The new series features a wider 26" deck for increased productivity; higher tip speed for better cut quality; a rubberized rear deck trim for added stump clearance in reverse; heavier spindle assembly; improved shifting at the control panel for operator comfort; a shifting linkage for longer cable life; thicker and wider ergonomic handles; and a low engine oil alarm for improved reliability.
Learn More...

 

Point-of-Rental™ Systems will hold its annual User Meeting on Sunday, February 9, 2014 from 3:30 pm to 5:45 pm at the Orange County Convention Center prior to the opening of the ARA Rental Show. Free to all Point-of-Rental customers, this short meeting takes place to review software updates and answer any questions customers may have. Although this event is free, customers interested in attending must register by Monday, January 20, 2014. To register, visit www.point-of-rental.com/register-ARA-training.asp.
Learn More...

 

 

JCB’s John Patterson CBE, who rose through the ranks from field service engineer to Group Chief Executive, has retired after 43 years’ service. His retirement sees Arjun Mirdha take up the position of President and CEO of JCB in North America, where John Patterson had led operations since 2008 as Chairman and CEO. John Patterson joined JCB in 1971 and went on to work in Canada and America before returning to the UK in 1988 as Managing Director of JCB Service. In 1993, he was appointed Managing Director of JCB Sales before becoming Group CEO – only the third person in JCB’s history to hold the position.
Learn More...

 

Skyjack Division is the first manufacturer to release two distinct options in secondary guarding (additional protective measures taken following a job-specific risk assessment, to reduce the potential for sustained inadvertent operation in the event of collision with an external object). By simultaneously introducing the SG-M and SG-E secondary guarding mechanisms, it allows the equipment user to select the most appropriate solution for any particular need, following a job-specific risk assessment. Industry groups have recently suggested the possibility of certain circumstances, conditions and operations that might result in inadvertent contact with obstructions and a consequent unintended operation of the controls. A form of "secondary guarding" is, therefore, now specified by some equipment users.
Learn More...

 

Doosan Portable Power has introduced the industry’s first Tier 4 Final air compressors in the form of its most widely used models — the P185 and C185. With 100 psi at 185 cfm, the P185 and C185 meet the needs of a variety of applications, from powering handheld air tools, to sandblasting, sprinkler and irrigation line blow-out, cable laying and pipeline testing. "The P185 and C185 are now Tier 4 Final-compliant products meeting government regulations on emissions controls," says Juan Rubio, assistant marketing manager, air compressors at Doosan Portable Power. "We continue to remain an industry leader throughout these Tier changes — currently offering the most complete Tier 4-interim lineup of air compressors in the industry — because we're using the right emission technologies to meet government regulation, while adding customer value in enhanced product features."
Learn More...

 

The January 10 CalChamber Alert Newsletter reported that a California Chamber of Commerce-supported job creator bill that sought to eliminate the burdensome alternative workweek election process and allow the employee the opportunity to request a workweek schedule addressing the needs of both the employer and employee failed to pass the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee this week. AB 907 (Conway; R-Tulare) would have allowed an employee to voluntarily request a flexible work schedule, with an opportunity to work four 10-hour workdays without the employer incurring overtime.
Learn More...

 

John Wildermuth, journalist and political commentator, is of the opinion that, although California's economy is improving, most voters still don’t believe it, which is good news for Gov. Jerry Brown. In a January 10 article on foxandhoundsdaily, Wildermuth explained his take on the situation, stating that the governor's attitude on fiscal responsibility and his goal of a long-term path of reducing liabilities resonates with California’s fiscally shell-shocked voters, many of whom are taking a more conservative financial path in their own lives.
Learn More...

 

David R. Doerr, Chief Tax Consultant for the California Taxpayers Association, recently published a lengthy commentary on Prop 13 in the Cal Tax Report. Doerr has served as CalTax’s chief tax consultant, analyzing tax policies and reporting on tax issues, since 1987. He previously served 24 years as chief consultant for the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee, and in that capacity chaired the task force that developed legislation to implement Proposition 13. Mr. Doerr is the author of "California’s Tax Machine: A History of Taxing and Spending in the Golden State," which is used as a reference work by the state’s policy makers, and has been called "the bible on California taxes."

Recently, foxandhoundsdaily.com published a summary of Doerr's article, in which he states that a split roll would mean a return to the unfair ad valorem tax system for locally assessed business real property, improvements and fixtures. Under an ad valorem assessment system, property is assessed on a subjective, not objective, basis. For most properties, there is no conclusive proof of what the value is on the lien date, as the three methods for determining value have flaws – and, at best, establish a range of values.
Learn More...

 

Once all data are in, energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2013 are expected to be roughly 2% above the 2012 level, largely because of a small increase in coal consumption in the electric power sector. Coal has regained some market share from natural gas since a low in April 2012; however the impact on overall emissions trends remains fairly small. Emissions in 2013 are slightly more than 10% below 2005 levels, a significant contribution towards the goal of a 17% reduction in emissions from the 2005 level by 2020 that was adopted by the current Administration. This level of reduction is expected to continue through 2015, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) most recent Short-Term Energy Outlook.
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 particulate matter (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 November 13, 2013 Mail Out MSC 13-28 is an advisory that explains how ARB will recognize specific good-faith efforts that owners have made to comply with the January 1, 2014 deadline and how owners can report and take advantage of planned regulatory changes that would increase low-use thresholds, allow owners to opt-in to a number of flexibility options, and receive additional time to comply with the PM filter requirements for vehicles operated in certain areas of California. Learn more about the requirements and options on the fact sheets page.
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 regulations Title 13 CCR, sections 2180-2189 for HDVIP and Title 13 CCR, sections 2190-2194 for PSIP, which govern these programs, were last amended in 2013.

The HDVIP program requires heavy-duty trucks and buses to be inspected for excessive smoke and tampering and for engine certification label compliance. Any heavy-duty vehicle traveling in California, including vehicles registered in other states and foreign countries, may be tested. Tests are performed by ARB inspection teams at border crossings, CHP weigh stations, fleet facilities and randomly selected roadside locations. Owners of trucks and buses found in violation are subject to minimum penalties starting at $300 per violation.

Who Needs to Report for 2014?
Compliance requirements are currently in effect for heavier vehicles with a GVWR greater than 26,000 lbs. with engine years 1996 or newer. To assist vehicle owners with the transition to the upcoming January 1, 2014, particulate matter (PM) filter compliance deadline, the Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) is taking specific actions to provide additional time for owners to complete their good-faith compliance efforts and to take advantage of additional flexibility for many lower-use vehicles and vehicles that operate solely in certain areas of the state as explained in the regulatory advisory MSC 13-28. Owners will have the opportunity to use the following options under certain conditions but must report by January 31, 2014.
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. Avoid penalties due to manufacturer delay — order soot filters by September 1, 2013 to meet January 1, 2014 requirements for the Truck & Bus Regulation. Only purchase CARB-verified filters. Check before you buy! See the DPF handbook: A Truck Driver’s Guide to Care and Maintenance of Diesel Particulate Filters.

Eligible small fleets that apply before January 1, 2014 will be recognized for taking a good-faith effort similar to those listed in the Truck and Bus Advisory MSC 13-28. The fleet must report to ARB through the Truck Regulation Upload and Compliance Reporting System (TRUCRS) by January 31, 2014. Fleets must also keep documentation of this effort in the vehicle and place of business.
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.

Critical Engine Requirements:
June 30, 2014: This is the last day ARB will accept initial registration applications for Interim Tier 4 engines rated from 175 bhp to 750 bhp.

Effective July 1, 2014: For initial registration into PERP, all diesel engines must meet the following certification tier levels:
50 to 74 bhp - Final Tier 4
75 to 174 bhp - Interim Tier 4
175 to 750 bhp - Final Tier 4
Over 750 bhp - Interim Tier 4

Or, for all power categories - Flex engines certified under the flexibility provisions of Federal 40 CFR 1039.625, or CFR 89.102, or California Code of Regulations section 2423 (d).
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. For more information, please call the diesel vehicle information hotline at (866) 6-DIESEL or (866) 634-3735.

What's New?:
Posted September 13, 2013
U.S. EPA Authorization Granted: ARB has received authorization from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to enforce the In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation, including the regulation’s performance requirements, such as turnover requirements and restrictions on adding older, dirtier Tier 0 and 1 vehicles. Enforcement of the restrictions on adding Tier 0 and 1 vehicles will begin January 1, 2014. Enforcement of the first fleet average requirements for large fleets (> 5,000 total fleet horsepower) will begin on July 1, 2014. Regulatory Advisory 13-25 discusses further how ARB staff will proceed with the enforcement of the regulation.
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, specialty vehicles, airport service vehicles, large turf care equipment, portable generators, and a wide array of other agricultural, construction, and general industrial equipment. The U.S. EPA has sole authority to control new farm and construction equipment under 175 horsepower.
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...

 

The Truck and Bus Regulation will reduce diesel exhaust emissions from privately owned and federal government diesel trucks and buses. Privately and publicly owned school buses have different requirements and do not need to be reported. This CARB site has the Truck Regulations Upload and Compliance Reporting System (TRUCRS) and was last reviewed July 25, 2013.
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 the Knowledge Center for the Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation Web page.
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.
Learn More...