Agricultural Engine Registration (Rule 250)

VCAPCD Rule 250, “Registration of Agricultural Engines,” requires that the owner or operator of any stationary or portable diesel engine used in agricultural operations and rated at 50 brake horsepower (BHP) or greater maintain an Agricultural Engine Registration for each engine. In general, these requirements apply to nearly all diesel engines used to power irrigation pumps and not to diesel engines used to power farm equipment such as trucks and tractors. To the extent allowed by law, a registered engine may be operated in Ventura, Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo counties.

The Agricultural Engine Registration was implemented to comply with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Air Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Stationary Compression Ignition (CI) Engines. Section 93115.8 of the ATCM contains the Emission Standards for Stationary Diesel-Fueled CI Engines (> 50 BHP) Used in Agricultural Operations.

VCAPCD Rule 250 Requirements:

• All stationary or portable diesel engines subject to this rule and used in agricultural operations shall be registered. New engines must register within 90 days after installation. To register an engine, submit completed form (Form AG-1) and the registration fee.
• The owner or operator shall use the “Ag Engine Change Notification Form” (Form AG-3) to notify the district in writing no later than 14 days after any of the following:
  • Change of owner or operator
  • Change of engine location
  • Installation or commencement of an emissions control strategy
• The Agricultural Engine Registration shall be renewed annually by paying the fee specified in Rule 48 and by updating the registration information. The district will send out invoices on or about Jan. 15 each year.

For more information, see the VCAPCD Compliance Advisories on agricultural engines and CARB Overview of Diesel-Fueled Ag Engine Requirements.

As a part of the registration program, emission control requirements are determined for each engine on a case-by-case basis. The emission control requirements have been set by CARB. Newer engines may already comply with the requirements, but older engines may need to be retrofitted or replaced to comply. Any diesel pump engine replaced with an electric motor or natural gas engine will not be required to register with the district. Grant money may be available from the district to replace older diesel engines with newer, compliant diesel engines, natural gas engines or electric motors.