Officials from the California Air Resources Board recently said that many engines owned by California rental centers are not registered with the board or with local air pollution control districts and therefore are subject to fines and penalties.
CARB officials estimate that about 30,000 portable engines of greater than 50 horsepower are not registered in the portable equipment registration program or with local districts and therefore may not be “lawfully” utilized in California. Officials from local air pollution control districts commented during a recent workgroup meeting that they believe many of the 30,000 engines are owned by rental centers and greater enforcement efforts were discussed.
California Rental Association general counsel Les Chayo said that if equipment is neither permitted nor registered, owners should immediately ascertain if that equipment may be permitted, “which is unlikely without application of best available retrofit control technology.” Chayo added that California rental center owners should consider purchasing new equipment that meets specific emissions standards.
