EPA issues new clean air rules for heavy-duty trucks. California’s rules are tougher

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued tough new emissions standards Friday for heavy-duty trucks and buses, with the aim of cutting air pollution, addressing climate change and boosting economic growth. The new federal rules will curtail a billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year and provide financial benefits worth $13 billion annually “related to public health, climate, and savings for truck owners and operators.” Big rigs, delivery trucks, cement mixers, garbage trucks, transit buses and school buses are all included. Unlike California’s rules, which mandate sales of new electric battery and fuel cell trucks in increasing percentages through 2042, the federal rules allow more flexibility in fuels, as long as air emissions standards are met. “EPA’s new heavy-duty vehicle standards represent a step toward reducing emissions and advancing the transition to zero-emission freight, providing a necessary signal for investment in charging infrastructure and bolstering U.S. manufacturing to meet 2030 climate goals,” said John Boesel, chief executive of CALSTART, a clean transportation advocacy group. “We appreciate the regulation’s recognition of this fact and look forward to working with the EPA as well as federal and state governments to deliver both.” Jim Ward, president of the Truckload Carriers Assn., had a similar reaction: “The journey ahead provides for many alternatives to be considered to lower carbon such as blended biodiesel, renewable natural gas, diesel-electric, just to name a few, to help us bridge the gap to the future.” The industry, however, will contend with the differences between California’s zero-emission mandates and the more flexible federal rules — so plenty of political lobbying and policy controversy lie ahead.