SACRAMENTO, Cal. — All trucks operating in California will need to be equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and eventually engines with pre-2010 emissions levels will be banned.

The aggressive moves were announced by the Air Resources Board late last week. Trucks without DPFs will have to be retrofitted with particulate filters beginning in 2011, as part of the Statewide Truck and Bus rule. This includes trucks plated outside California, which plan on operating in the state.

ARB says it hopes to have all trucks operating in the state upgraded by 2014. Also, pre-2010 engines will be phased out between 2012 and 2022, ARB announced.

Also adopted was a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction measure, which will require trailers operating in the state to use fuel-efficient tires and aerodynamic devices. About US$1 billion in funds will be available to help truck owners afford the required upgrades.

“Today’s vote marks a milestone in the history of California’s air quality,” said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. “The Board’s actions will not only help protect the health of 38 million Californians, they will also ensure that California continues strongly on its path to achieving clean air. And in light of today’s extremely challenging financial climate, I am also pleased to say that the Governor, legislature and voters have made available more than one billion dollars in grants and loan programs to help truckers and business owners comply with this vital public health measure.”

About 400,000 trucks registered in California and 500,000 out-of-state trucks will be impacted by the DPF rule. More than 500,000 trailers will require aerodynamic devices as part of the greenhouse gas reduction rule, ARB predicts. Due to normal replacement cycles, ARB says about 230,000 trucks will need to be retrofitted under the new law.

By 2014, ARB says its latest rules will reduce diesel emissions by 68% compared to where they’d be without the new requirements. NOx is expected to be decreased by 25%.