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RIVERSIDE – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) today passed a new regulation that will phase out the operation of large spark-ignited (LSI) forklifts in California and spur the use of zero-emissions alternatives. LSI forklifts are a source of criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases, particularly in parts of the state that continue to exceed federal ozone standards.
Under the rule, manufacturers cannot produce or sell, for use in California, Class IV and Class V LSI forklifts – categories that largely operate on propane, gasoline and natural gas – beginning in 2026. The rule also phases out the use of spark-ignited forklifts by large fleets, defined as 26 units or more, starting in 2028. The phase-out schedule is by model year and designed so that no forklift is required to be phased out before it is 10 years old. Smaller fleets will phase out use of spark-ignited forklifts starting in 2029.
This rule addresses more than 89,000 spark-ignited forklifts currently operating in the state. CARB estimates that more than 2 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions will be avoided per day by 2031 – which is the equivalent of removing 1.2 million miles traveled by a gasoline-powered car. Forklifts are well-suited for widespread adoption of zero-emission technology, and about half of forklift sales in California today are zero-emission.
“California has an ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, and getting there means tackling all sources of pollution that contribute to poor air quality and climate change,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “Today’s vote makes the forklifts that operate in the state part of the solution toward healthier communities and clean air.”
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