The California Air Resources Board invites professional landscapers to participate in a virtual workgroup to discuss recent updates to the small off-road engine regulations that will affect new engines used in landscape equipment. The workgroup will also discuss incentives to assist landscapers with the purchase of electric landscape equipment. More information on incentives can also be found through the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District.
Professional landscapers are encouraged to join the workgroup and participate in its quarterly virtual meetings. The fifth virtual meeting of the landscaper workgroup will be held May 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m. through Zoom. Those interested can register online.
Background
Small off-road engines are spark-ignition engines with rated power at or below 19 kilowatts (25.5 horsepower) used in nonstationary equipment that is not used to propel a licensed on-road motor vehicle, an off-road motorcycle, an all-terrain vehicle, a marine vessel, a snowmobile, a model airplane, a model car or a model boat.
Emissions from SOREs have decreased by 50% since 2000 due to SORE regulations and increasing adoption of zero-emission equipment. Further reductions of SORE emissions are needed despite this progress, according to the California Air Resources Board. CARB has adopted amendments to the SORE regulations that will transition SORE equipment to zero emissions as soon as possible to achieve additional emission reductions.
All rulemaking documents are available for viewing on the SORE rulemaking page. The SORE regulations include emission standards of zero for most newly manufactured engines starting with model year 2024. The SORE regulations do not prohibit the sale and use of existing CARB-certified equipment. Inquiries concerning the landscaper workgroup may be directed to [email protected].
Information provided by California Air Resources Board