California is leading other US states in a push to become more environmentally conscious - and its latest target is rejuvenating its fleet sector.

The state has proposed that all heavy-duty trucks be diesel efficient and that they are equipped with products approved by the Environment Protection Agency’s Smartway program. The plan is part of a wider effort by California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020.

The proposals, which, if approved would be enforced from 2010 onwards, will apply to new and existing trucks. Trucks already in use built from 2005 onwards will be required to have single wide tyres or low-rolling resistance duals placed on to lightweight wheels. Trailers meanwhile will need to have side skirt fairings, with either front- or rear-mounted trailer fairings.

Fleets with 19 trucks or more must have at least half of the EPA Smartway regulations in place by 2012. Fleets with less than 19 vehicles wouldn’t have to report Smartway retrofits but would have to be fully compliant by 2014. 

Financing to purchase these products is available - for more information visit smartwayfinancecenter.com.

What do you think of this Californian scheme? Should similar rulings be enforced in the UK? Leave a comment with your thoughts.