WHAT IS CARB?
Since 2006, Assembly Bill 32, requires California to reduce Greenhouse (GHG) emissions from mobile sources like trucks and therefore the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted the Tractor-Trailer Greenhouse Gas (TTGHG) regulation. TTGHG requires the reduction of GHG from heavy-duty tractors that pull 53-foot or longer box-type trailers on California highways and requires the use of more fuel efficient and aerodynamic equipment. This means that anyone driving a heavy-duty tractor or trailer in or out of California beginning in January 2020 must make sure their aero devices meet the TTGHG regulations or be subject to penalty by CARB.
For those looking to certify their devices to be compliant with CARB, the TTGHG Interim Aero Device Approval Program now allows Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to be used to measure the CdA of your Aero Devices instead of wind-tunnel testing or coast down (approval from CARB not to wind tunnel test is required in advance). The TTGHG Interim Aero Device Approval Program will allow aerodynamic device manufacturers to obtain a preliminary approval for the measured performance of aerodynamic drag reduction technologies, or combinations of technologies, in accordance with the provisions of 40 CFR 1037.2111.
CARB will soon be allowing aerodynamic device manufacturers to submit requests for approval of their devices. CARB staff will review the submitted test results and supporting documents on aerodynamic drag reduction technologies and determine whether the technologies meet the applicable requirements. CARB will issue a written approval for such devices that demonstrate TTGHG compliance. The aerodynamic drag technology will then we identified as an approved aerodynamic technology on CARB’s website and will be eligible for use complying with the TTGHG regulation.
