Mobile fueling on-demand tank vehicles: performance standards.
With the enactment of AB 905, local governments will lose some regulatory power over mobile fueling on-demand vehicles as the state will take precedence in certifying and monitoring these systems. The legislation introduces a fee structure intended to cover the costs associated with the regulation, which will be adjusted annually according to the California Consumer Price Index. This approach aims to streamline operations and reinforce the obligation of mobile fueling operators to comply with established environmental standards while aiming to reduce pollution from vehicular sources significantly.
Assembly Bill 905, introduced by Assembly Member Quirk, seeks to regulate mobile fueling on-demand tank vehicles as mobile sources of air pollution under the Health and Safety Code. This legislation mandates the State Air Resources Board, contingent on legislative appropriation, to adopt regulations aimed at controlling emissions from these vehicles. Specifically, it addresses the necessity for vapor recovery systems to minimize gasoline vapors during fueling operations, and it outlines certification processes for the equipment used in these mobile fueling operations. The bill indicates that compliance monitoring will involve collaboration between air pollution control districts and the state board, thereby ensuring public health and environmental safety.
The overall sentiment surrounding AB 905 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents who emphasize its potential to enhance air quality and address pollution from mobile fueling operations. However, concerns have also been raised regarding the reduction of local control, with some stakeholders arguing that state oversight may overlook specific regional needs and issues related to urban planning and safety. The legislation's implementation may lead to tensions between local governing bodies and state agencies, particularly regarding the enforcement of new regulations.
Notably, the bill imposes a state-mandated local program, which means that any violation of the prescribed regulations will be treated as a crime. This has sparked debates regarding the increasing centralization of regulatory authority at the state level, leading to assertions that local entities could be unduly constrained in their efforts to address air quality concerns that pertain specifically to their communities. Furthermore, the bill’s requirements for specific loading systems and performance standards could present logistical challenges and financial burdens for existing mobile fueling operations.