CA AB605

Creates the Lower Emissions Cargo Handling Equipment Pilot program to encourage early adoption of low-emission equipment at California seaports and intermodal yards before state zero-emission regulations take effect

Prohibits the State Air Resources Board from adopting regulations that would ban cargo handling equipment purchased under this program before December 31, 2027, allowing such equipment to operate for its entire useful life from delivery date

Defines qualifying cargo handling equipment as off-road, self-propelled vehicles used to lift or move container cargo that meet European Union emission standards of less than 1 g CO2/kWh or less than 1 g CO2/km

Requires manufacturers to certify equipment meets emission specifications, obtain third-party validation, and affix labels identifying the equipment as purchased under the pilot program

Limits the protected useful life of equipment to the average useful life designated in existing Air Resources Board methodology tables for each equipment type at ports and rail yards