Sander Kushen, sander.kushen@sierraclub.org
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has unanimously adopted a new Zero-Emission Forklifts Regulation aimed at phasing out large spark-ignition (LSI) forklifts powered by gasoline, propane, or natural gas by 2038. The rule will affect approximately 89,000 forklifts in California.
The rule is expected to significantly reduce pollution and prevent hundreds of premature deaths and health issues, especially benefiting warehouse workers who are directly exposed to forklift emissions.
Restrictions on new LSI forklift purchases and sales will begin starting January 1, 2026, and existing LSI forklifts will be phased out beginning January 1, 2028, with different schedules for various forklift classes and fleet sizes.
In response, Yassi Kavezade, Sierra Club Clean Transportation for All Campaign Advisor, released the following statement:
“This new zero-emission forklift rule isn't just an environmental win - it's a smart economic move that protects workers, communities, and businesses alike. By 2038, we'll see 89,000 polluting forklifts replaced with clean alternatives, preventing over 500 premature deaths and saving $7.5 billion in health costs.
“The climate crisis and ongoing air quality emergency in California demand swift action, and this rule is a prime example of how we can tackle those issues by rapidly decarbonizing various sectors of our economy. We applaud CARB’s adoption of this common-sense rule.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.