EPA Announces New Efforts to Curb Pollution from Heavy-Duty Vehicles
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed new methods for cutting smog pollution that could potentially prevent 2,100 early deaths and 18,000 cases of childhood asthma.
On March 3, EPA Administrator Michael Regan signed a proposed rule that would set new, more stringent standards to reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year 2027.
The proposed standards would reduce carbon emissions of smog- and soot-forming nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty gasoline and diesel engines and set updated greenhouse gas standards for certain commercial vehicle categories.
According to data from the EPA, currently 72 million people are estimated to live near freight truck routes where they are exposed to pollution that can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. The data indicates those communities are also more likely to be people of color and those with lower incomes.
President Joe Biden proposed actions to reduce these emissions 60% by 2045 as part of his 2021 executive order on Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks.
According to EPA estimates, by 2045 the action taken by the administration would result in 2,100 fewer premature deaths, 6,700 fewer hospital admissions and emergency department visits, 3.1 million fewer cases of asthma symptoms and 18,000 fewer cases of asthma onset in children.
The estimates also indicate these protections would result in 78,000 fewer lost days of work and 1.1 million fewer lost school days for children.
The proposal from the EPA is currently open for a public comment period and the agency will hold a virtual public hearing for the rule to be announced in the near future.
Alexa can be reached at [email protected]
