EPA Advances Clean Trucks Initiative
Wed Jan 15th, On Environmental Law, by Bick Law LLP
On Monday, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it plans to advance the Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI) in New York and New Jersey. The Cleaner Trucks Initiative is a part of the regulations allowed under the Clean Air Act and seeks to develop cleaner emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks. This week’s announcement is an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the second step in the process begun in late 2018 with the establishment of the CTI.
The agency’s long-term goal is to reduce air pollution from machinery found on America’s highways. In order to do so, stricter emissions standards large engines must be established. EPA officials stated these modernizations will not only help with reducing emissions, they will also help to ensure the long term survival of the trucking industry.
It has been nearly twenty years since EPA has revised its emissions standards for heavy duty engines. The reaction from industry groups was generally positive, with leaders stating they hoped EPA would provide a “collaborative” and “cost-effective” regulatory process. EPA plans to publish a proposed rule on the Cleaner Trucks Initiative and emissions standards early this year.
Read more on the Clean Trucks Initiative and the Clean Air Act here.