Statement: EPA’s proposed changes would weaken life-saving air pollution standards for heavy-duty vehicles

Environmental Defense Fund joined other concerned Americans at an EPA hearing today to oppose a proposal that would weaken national standards for air pollution from heavy-duty vehicles like freight trucks and buses.  

The Trump EPA’s new proposal would drop key protections that ensure vehicles continue to meet pollution standards after the point of sale. This would mean more harmful air pollution that puts the health of millions of Americans at risk — especially those in communities near busy highways and freight routes.  

“Protective emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles are a vital tool in reducing harmful tailpipe pollution. Americans cannot afford to pay for pollution increases, whether with their lives or their wallets.” said Environmental Defense Fund’s Rishab Jagetia in his testimony today. “We urge EPA to abandon this harmful proposal and uphold [the existing standards] to cut pollution and protect people in communities across the country.”  

The current heavy-duty pollution standards, updated in 2023, are achievable and will save lives. EPA’s own estimates show they will prevent up to 2,900 early deaths and provide $200 billion in health benefits from 2027 to 2045. Weakening these standards would take away much of these benefits and expose more people — especially children, older adults and people in overburdened neighborhoods — to unhealthy air.  

The public can submit comments to EPA through August 29, 2026.  

You can read Rishab Jagetia’s full comments here.