EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin will send California truck regulations waivers to Congress, challenging Advanced Clean Trucks emissions rules
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the agency will transmit the Biden Administration’s rules granting waivers to California to Congress. These waivers allowed the state of California to set its own truck regulations. They were distinct from the federal standards established by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
EPA Rules Sent to Congress
The EPA will send the rules to Congress, including California’s Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Omnibus NOx rules. These rules relate to California truck regulations and will significantly affect how vehicles meet emission standards in California.
This announcement follows last month’s disclosure that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) withdrew requests for approval of the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule. These were part of CARB’s emissions regulations.
ACF planned to stop the sale of new commercial diesel trucks and buses by 2036. Additionally, CARB is rolling back another requested regulation that would phase out diesel-powered trains older than 23 years. California truck regulations aimed to have fleets opt for zero-emission vehicles, aiming to combat greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in the state.
Zeldin’s Statement on California truck regulations
“The Biden Administration failed to send rules on California’s waivers to Congress, preventing lawmakers from addressing these substantial actions with broad impacts across the United States. The Trump EPA is working to correct this and adhere to the rule of law,” Administrator Zeldin said. “The American people are facing challenges while dealing with rules that limit their vehicle choices. It is crucial for the agency to remain accountable to Congress and the American people.”
