Padilla, Feinstein Statement on EPA Approval of California Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Waivers
CALIFORNIA — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein (both D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved two waivers to allow California to impose stronger emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles.
“We have long been advocating for EPA to approve these waivers and we welcome today’s announcement. Approval of these waivers means California will continue to model responsible stewardship of public health and the environment for the nation. Significantly, the waivers approved today will allow California to safeguard clean air, particularly for low-income communities that have shouldered the brunt of harmful air pollution.
“California has long paved the way for ambitious clean air and climate policy, and the state will continue working with vehicle manufacturers to set and achieve standards that protect the public health. We look forward to EPA approving a third waiver for California’s NOx omnibus regulation, which will save lives.”
Padilla and Feinstein have continuously advocated to strengthen emissions standards in both the light-duty and heavy-duty sectors, including successfully pushing the Biden administration to set national clean car standards modeled on the “California Framework Agreement” and to revise the NOx emission standards for on-highway heavy-duty trucks. They previously urged EPA Administrator Michael Regan to expeditiously grant the unconditional approval of California’s waiver requests.
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