U.S. EPA Finalizes Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles Under Clean Truck Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Dec. 20 finalized national clean air standards to cut smog- and soot-forming emissions from heavy-duty trucks beginning with model year 2027, the first update in more than 20 years and more than 80 percent stronger than current standards. The move is a step towards the implementation of the historic Clean Truck Plan. EPA estimates that by 2045, the rule will result in $29 billion net annual benefits.

The aged vehicles are required to meet more stringent emissions standards by ensuring that vehicle engines and emission control system functions appropriately coupled with electronic pollution control systems. The agency had engaged a wide variety of stakeholders, communities, tribes, environmental justice organizations, and laborers in order to develop a complete and effective rule. This announcement is the first of three major actions being taken under the agency’s plan.

The modern rule, intended to motivate the trucking fleet to transition towards low-carbon and electric technologies, is funded by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and is in line with the Biden’s administration’s efforts towards zero emission. The rule promotes clean school and transit buses along with training of individuals involved in installation and maintenance of charging infrastructure.

The announcement marks the first of three actions under the Clean Trucks Plan. EPA plans to release the proposals for the remaining two steps, which include a proposal of the greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty vehicles and multipollutant standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles, both starting in model year 2027. The agency will complete the assessment of the technical and legal record before the agency and prioritize issuing decisions on pending program waiver requests from California in early 2023.