California Attorney General's Office

03/31/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/31/2023 13:11

Attorney General Bonta Celebrates EPA Decision Granting California Waivers for Heavy Duty Truck Regulations

OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement applauding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision granting two Clean Air Act waivers that approve California's standards to reduce heavy-duty truck emissions.

"California is a nationwide leader when it comes to combating climate change and air pollution, and EPA's decision today is another important step in advancing the state's climate and air-quality goals," said Attorney General Bonta. "I applaud EPA for approving California's commonsense standards to reduce air pollution from heavy-duty trucks. California's standards are crucial for our communities, public health, and our planet."

The transportation sector continues to be a major source of NOx, particulate matter, and greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, this sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and heavy-duty trucks are the second largest contributor within that sector. California's heavy-duty truck standards are crucial to the state's ability to address the climate crisis, protect frontline communities living near transportation corridors, and meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These regulations set strong but feasible targets for the utilization of zero-emission vehicles, and are already paving the way for technology innovation and manufacturing changes across the country and around the world.

Attorney General Bonta previously led a coalition of 17 attorneys general in urging EPA to grant California's waiver applications for its heavy-duty truck standards.