The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday granted California a waiver to exceed federal regulations in enacting its Omnibus low-NOx regulations.
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"California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks," says EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Today's actions follow through on EPA's commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change."
The state contends the low-NOx standards will protect communities from pollution that can lead to costly and harmful health impacts. Volvo, Paccar and Cummins have all announced compliant engines.
Industry organizations disagree.
"California's mandates have already created significant truck shortages and price increases, needlessly limiting truck sales and purchase in California," American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear says in a statement. "These policies are divorced from reality, disregard the operational needs of the trucking industry and will have adverse consequences for consumers in the price they pay for everyday goods."
[RELATED: Oregon delays emissions standards]
President-elect Donald Trump has said he will move to revoke all California waivers, including this one. In his previous administration, he rescinded California's authority on emissions in 2019. It was restored by the Biden administration in 2022.
"This ill-advised waiver will be short-lived," Spear says. "We look forward to the incoming administration and soon-to-be EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin reversing these misguided policies and restoring common sense to the nation's environmental policy."
