According to a report from the Washington Post released last week, the Biden administration is set to green-light a new set of rules in California designed to cut emissions and phase out sales of heavy-duty diesel trucks.
The EPA is reportedly set to grant waivers to California that will provide unprecedented authority for enforcing their own environmental regulations.
In a statement released last week, American Trucking Associations President and CEO, Chris Spear expressed disappointment, noting that the trucking industry “worked tirelessly with EPA on aggressive, achievable timelines for emissions reductions over decades,” he said. “Our industry hopes these reports aren’t true.”
In December, the EPA rolled out new emissions standards on large commercial vehicles for the 2027 model year. The agency set NOx limits 80% lower than current levels and cut particulate matter by half. Additionally, warranties must now cover 450,000 miles compared to 100,000 before this change – extending a vehicle’s useful life up to 650,00 miles.
California has set the stage for a major overhaul in truck sales and operations, mandating that all heavy trucks sold within their borders be powered by electricity or hydrogen fuel-cell energy exclusively by 2045. Such measures would significantly raise emissions standards three model years ahead of federal regulations.
Last summer, the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) made a major move to show its commitment towards clean air policy when it unexpectedly withdrew its lawsuit against California Air Resources Board (CARB). The suit sought confirmation that CARB should be given ample lead time – four model years in advance – before introducing any new regulations on heavy-duty engine emissions. This decision by EMA signals an important shift as leaders in this industry commit to environmental goals.
ATA’s Spear added that “if the reports are in fact accurate, let us remind you that this isn’t the United States of California. As we learned in the pandemic, the supply chain can be a fragile thing – and its integrity must be preserved at the national level. This decision has little to do with improving the environment, and everything to do with placating the far left of the environmental lobby without regard for the hard-working men and women of our industry or our country who will be left to implement California’s vision for America.
“The state and federal regulators collaborating on this unrealistic patchwork of regulations have no grasp on the real costs of designing, building, manufacturing and operating the trucks that deliver their groceries, clothes and goods, but they will certainly feel the pain when these fanciful projections lead to catastrophic disruptions well beyond California’s borders.”
Other states expected to follow California’s lead include Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont.
Source: Overdrive
