EDF Expert Testifies in Support of EPA Waivers for California’s Two New “Life-Saving” Clean Truck Rules

(June 29, 2022) An expert from Environmental Defense Fund testified at a hearing today to stress the importance that EPA provides full, lasting, and durable effect to two California rules that that will help put more zero-emitting freight trucks and buses on our roads, protect people from unhealthy pollution, and create thousands of new jobs.

“California’s Heavy-Duty Omnibus Rule and Advanced Clean Truck Rule are critical health and climate protections,” said EDF legal fellow Andy Su in his testimony. “150 million people live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, and many of the hardest hit communities are in California. [The Omnibus Rule], is expected to reduce [pollution] in California by more than 23 tons per day – the equivalent of taking 16 million light-duty cars off the road in 2031.”

The Clean Air Act includes a waiver provision that allows California to adopt standards at least as protective as federal standards to protect Californians from the unhealthy air pollution emitted by cars and trucks. Building from this longstanding and time-tested authority, other states have also adopted California’s protective standards. California is now asking EPA to grant waivers for two new safeguards – the Heavy-Duty Omnibus Rule and Advanced Clean Truck Rule – which will help expand the use of zero-emitting freight trucks, delivery vans, buses, and other large commercial vehicles.

In his testimony, Su called the rules “life-saving.” He pointed out that the two measures together will prevent almost 5,000 premature deaths, save the state billions of dollars in health care costs, and create thousands of new jobs by 2035.

“Deploying clean and zero-emitting heavy-duty vehicles is critical to reach our health and climate goals,” said Su. “These standards will protect human health and the environment for all people and all communities, by reducing harmful diesel pollution and ensuring greater deployment of [zero-emitting vehicles], actions that will save money for truckers and fleets, and help to support and grow jobs.”

You can read Su’s entire testimony here.