Statement: California will lead the nation on clean trucks

EPA grants two waivers allowing California to accelerate adoption of zero emission vehicles 

OAKLAND, Calif. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will allow California to move forward with two rules that will accelerate the adoption of zero emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The Advanced Clean Trucks standard will incrementally phase out the sale of fossil fuel-powered trucks, buses and vans with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. Another rule will extend the emissions warranty period for certain heavy-duty diesel trucks, thereby ensuring cleaner performance over the life of these vehicles.

CALPIRG and Environment California and their national partners have long advocated for adoption of the Advanced Clean Truck standards. With New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts, Washington and Vermont poised to adopt California’s new clean truck rules in full or in part, these regulations have the potential to improve air quality from coast to coast.

The transportation sector in California creates approximately 50% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, when accounting for transportation fuel production and delivery. The sector is also California’s largest contributor to the formation of ozone and fine particulate matter pollution, and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are major sources. Exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone is associated with increased risk of premature mortality and cuts short an estimated 7,500 lives each year in California. The adoption of new clean truck standards will meaningfully reduce exposure to these harmful substances.

In response, Environment California State Director Laura Deehan issued the following statement:

“California is driving the nation to a cleaner destination with this rule. We already have the zero-emission technology to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Just like we did with clean cars, our state is once again providing a roadmap for others to follow in the transition away from fossil fuels.”

CALPIRG State Director Jenn Engstrom issued the following statement:

“The vehicles that deliver essential goods and services to our communities are also delivering toxic doses of air pollution. But they don’t have to. Cleaning up emissions from the trucks on our highways, the delivery vans in our neighborhoods, and the school buses that transport our kids to school will result in cleaner air not just in California, but all over the country.

“We thank the EPA for issuing these waivers so California and other states can start making progress towards its zero emissions goals. Our health depends on it.”