EID Leads Interagency Discussion on CARB’s Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation and Its Impact on Essential Public Services

El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) recently brought together regional partners for an interagency discussion and facilities tour focused on the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) Regulation, which requires government fleets to transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) as older equipment reaches the end of its service life.

The discussion welcomed representatives* from regional water agencies, fire chiefs from local fire departments, regional policy advocates, and nearly a dozen CARB staff members. The session created an important opportunity to share perspectives on how the ACF Regulation could negatively impact essential public services that our communities rely on.

Participants toured EID facilities while learning more about the critical role that reliable equipment has in maintaining water and wastewater services, supporting fire suppression, and restoring communities after wildfires and other disasters. Emergency officials stressed that water is a "public safety imperative," essential to firefighting, recovery, and repopulation efforts.

EID and its partners emphasized their support for California's clean-air goals while reinforcing that utilities face unique operational challenges. In comments submitted during CARB's recent public comment period, agencies urged CARB to provide reasonable exemptions in the transition to ZEVs for equipment vital to emergency response and utility operations.

Serving an area of more than 220 square miles from El Dorado Hills to Pollock Pines and beyond, EID provides water and wastewater services to approximately 140,000 residents. Staff explained that specialized equipment is essential for reaching communities, especially in emergencies. Limited electrical charging stations in remote areas, the likelihood of power interruptions during emergencies, and the risk of delays if vehicles are unavailable due to charging could impede emergency response and delay the restoration of essential services to customers.

EID staff also noted that some equipment must continue to operate once on-site, adding further strain on battery capacity. They emphasized the need to balance environmental initiatives with public safety.

"Ensuring uninterrupted service during emergencies and time-sensitive repairs is not only what our customers expect and deserve, it is essential to protecting public health and safety," said Pravani Vandeyar, EID's General Manager. "We continue to work with CARB to seek practical exemptions so utilities and emergency responders can avoid delays in restoring critical services when our customers need them most."

EID and its partners remain committed to working with CARB to develop balanced solutions that advance California's environmental goals while protecting the health and safety of the communities we serve.

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*Tahoe City Public Utilities District, Georgetown Divide Public Utilities District, Placer County Water Agency, Amador Water Agency, Nevada Irrigation District, and Calaveras County Water District; El Dorado Hills Fire Department, El Dorado County Fire and Diamond Springs/El Dorado Fire, CalFire's El Dorado Amador Unit, and Eldorado National Forest, County Office of Emergency Services; Association of CA Water Agencies and CA Special Districts Association