More industry groups are responding to the EPA's decision to issue a waiver to the state of California, allowing it to enforce NOx tailpipe emissions that exceed federal regulations.
The American Truck Dealers says it's disappointed in the decision.
"ATD has long-supported policies that deliver real-world emissions reductions and benefits for America's trucking industry," it said in a statement released Friday. "California's aggressive emissions standards for heavy-duty diesel engines have contributed to product shortages and rationing, resulting in market disruption and uncertainty. EPA had an opportunity to realign California under one federal NOx standard, eliminating the crippling patchwork of regulations the industry is experiencing today. Unfortunately, the Biden administration chose to side with California regulators."
On Wednesday, the Clean Freight Coalition, an alliance of transportation stakeholders committed to a clean energy future for the commercial vehicle industry, sent a letter to the country's heavy-duty OEMs suggesting they abandon their Clean Truck Partnership agreement with the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
[RELATED: EPA awards California $135M to phase out diesel semis and buses]
"The Clean Truck Partnership (CTP) agreement entered between your companies and CARB has served as tacit approval of the regulatory timelines and requirements mandated by CARB," says CFC Executive Director Jim Mullen.
The group says the EPA waiver decision will cause "major upheaval disruption" in the trucking industry, potentially leading to a shortage of internal combustion engines and trucks.
"As the industry embarks on a new year and new administration, industry collaboration is needed to reset and revise government standards that have been put in place," Mullen says. "To set achievable national emissions standards, truck manufacturers should abandon the CTP and are encouraged to work with industry partners to block harmful regulations that do not set us on a path to success. History has proven that our industry can overcome obstacles of any nature when stakeholders are aligned; this obstacle is no different."
[RELATED: CARB approves out-of-state sales options to California dealers navigating Omnibus rule]
For it's part, CARB says the EPA waiver is consistent with more than 50 years of precedent that allows California to implement solutions to address its air quality challenges.
"California's ongoing success in tackling pollution challenges and improving public health is possible thanks to landmark regulations that support technological innovation and move us toward a zero-emissions future for transportation," CARB Chairwoman Liane Randolph says. "Consumers and fleets are increasingly making the choice to drive clean vehicles and today's waiver approvals will further that progress."
CARB says the Omnibus NOx regulations would cut heavy-duty NOx emissions by 90%, overhaul engine testing procedures and further extend engine warranties. The expected public health benefits, CARB says, from reduced illnesses and other improvements are $23 billion.
So far, CARB has approved engines from Volvo, Paccar and Cummins for compliance with Omnibus regulations.
