CO HB1091

The commission may establish an alternative testing method for heavy-duty diesel vehicles that allows operators to demonstrate compliance with opacity standards by following and submitting proof of exemplary maintenance practices, instead of traditional opacity meter or automated testing.

Fleet owners must test opacity standards on a periodic basis using an opacity meter for vehicles greater than ten model years old, or may use automated opacity metering for vehicles ten model years old or newer.

New diesel vehicles are exempt from testing until reaching their second model year if light-duty or fourth model year if heavy-duty, with exemption ending at the date of ownership transfer if transferred after the third model year but before exemption expiration.

Heavy-duty diesel vehicles equal to or less than ten model years old must be tested every twenty-four months, while other vehicles must be tested every twelve months.

Certifications of diesel emissions control may be issued for heavy-duty fleet vehicles maintained in compliance with any alternative maintenance practice rules the commission promulgates.

The act takes effect January 1, 2014, subject to referendum petition procedures.