Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released final heavy-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for trucks as part of a broader strategy to advance a clean transportation future. Between 2027 and 2055, these Phase 3 standards will rely on clean vehicle technologies to prevent the release of nearly a billion metric tons of GHG emissions, helping the United States meet its climate goals and commitments.
Transportation is the largest source of emissions in the U.S., and while heavy-duty vehicles represent a small number of all on-road vehicles, they are responsible for a disproportionately high amount of air pollution and emissions.
The new standards will also improve public health by reducing air pollution responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular health impacts that result in lost work days, hospitalizations, low birth weight in infants, and premature death. This rule is especially significant for improving air quality in historically marginalized communities that are disproportionately impacted by truck pollution, as they are more likely to be located in congested areas and near freight corridors and ports.
Plug In America commends the EPA for finalizing these standards that will continue to support a transportation sector that is cleaner, healthier, more equitable, and secure.
“The finalized EPA heavy-duty vehicle emissions standards join a suite of policy actions that support and drive innovation, improve air quality and public health, save Americans money, and reduce climate change emissions. We commend the Biden-Harris Administration for their commitment to clean transportation and the benefits it brings to all of us,” said Plug In America executive director Joel Levin.
