WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it approved the request for waivers for two separate California measures to set tailpipe emissions standards for heavy duty trucks. The standards require that half of all heavy trucks sold in the state must be all-electric by 2035. EPA’s approval also reaffirms California’s authority to determine its own path toward a clean vehicle-driven economy and other states’ ability to follow suit. Currently, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts, Washington and Vermont have already adopted the 2035 sales mandate, and all except New Jersey have adopted the more stringent tailpipe standards.
California is the world’s fifth largest economy. Its adoption of these new rules will send a resounding message to the automotive industry and other states: the transition to electric vehicles is happening now.
The following is a statement from Bob Keefe, executive director:
“California has a long history as a pioneering state. Now the state is once again forging the path, this time toward a clean transportation future. With these waiver approvals, the state will reap enormous economic and environmental benefits as an innovator and leader – once again driving one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the global economy for decades to come.
“There’s no doubt that the trail California is blazing right now with these standards will spread as more states adopt them in the near future.”
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