The Environmental Protection Agency issued two Clean Air Act waivers to California on Friday, formally approving the state’s more stringent heavy-duty truck emissions rules.
The agency action paves the way for implementation of the California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which aims to accelerate the shift to zero-emission heavy-duty trucks. A second waiver grants approval for actions that extend emissions warranties for certain on-road trucks.
“This is a big deal for climate action. Last year, California became one of the first jurisdictions in the world with a real plan to end tailpipe emissions for cars,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said in a statement.
“Now, thanks to the Biden Administration, we’re getting more zero-emission heavy duty trucks on the roads, expanding our world-leading efforts to cut air pollution and protect public health,” he said.
Clean Air Act Section 209 waivers allow California to bypass rules that disallow states from setting their emission standards over federal regulations. California must apply and get approval for those waivers before its rules can go into effect.
Other states can also opt in to California’s emission rules, which are stricter than federal regulations to help address significant clean air issues.
Eight states are already working to adopt the truck rules, according to the governor’s office. California and states choosing to adopt its 2024 through 2035 standards make up 22% of the national truck market.
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