Off-Road Farm Equipment Faces Growing Regulatory Pressure
Published Friday, July 31, 2026
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment recently released draft cancer inhalation risk values for acrolein and ethylene oxide, two byproducts of fuel combustion. California Farm Bureau and several agricultural organizations submitted comments raising concerns about the scientific methodology and the lack of evidence linking emissions from agricultural equipment to the cancer risks suggested by the draft values. If adopted, the risk values could influence future state air quality regulations.
At the same time, changes at the federal level have prompted California to adjust portions of its vehicle emissions program. Following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's revocation of several Clean Air Act waivers, the California Air Resources Board finalized regulations allowing manufacturers to continue certifying vehicles and engines under emissions standards that predated the Advanced Clean Cars II and Heavy-Duty Omnibus rules. CARB also updated ozone attainment plans for the San Joaquin Valley, South Coast and Coachella Valley.
These developments come as California continues to pursue additional reductions in emissions from diesel-powered equipment, particularly nitrogen oxides, or NOx, a major contributor to ozone formation. With an estimated 119,000 diesel-powered agricultural machines operating statewide, agricultural organizations continue to urge the state to restore funding for the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions Program so producers can voluntarily replace older equipment with lower-emission models rather than relying solely on new regulatory mandates.
Staff contact: Daniella Legostaev, dlegostaev@cfbf.com.
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