California Air Resources Board

In June 2024, the California Air Resources Board approved for adoption the Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation. The measure was identified in CARB’s Mobile Source Strategy, State Implementation Plan, and Sustainable Freight Action Plan as one of several near-term actions intended to help California meet its air quality and climate goals through zero-emission technology.

The regulation will achieve emission reductions of both criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases by requiring the phase-out of forklifts using large spark-ignition (LSI) engines, such as those running on propane and gasoline. The regulation includes requirements for forklift Fleet Operators, Rental Agencies, Dealers, and Manufacturers, and is expected to result in a significant shift of the forklift segment in California to zero-emission technology. Zero-emission forklifts, such as those that run on battery-electric and fuel-cell powertrains, have been successfully used for decades. They have proven to be effective alternatives to internal combustion forklifts, particularly in the logistics industry.

Forklifts operate in many different industry sectors but are most prevalent in manufacturing and at freight facilities, such as warehouses, distribution centers, and ports. At the time of regulatory adoption, there were approximately 100,000 LSI forklifts operating in California.

If you have any questions as to how this regulation will affect your fleet, please call (877) 593-6677 or (877) 59DOORS or email doors@arb.ca.gov.