SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s initiatives to reduce pollution from diesel trains and large trucks have hit a roadblock as concerns rise over the forthcoming federal administration’s stance on environmental regulations.
On Tuesday, the California Air Resources Board announced the withdrawal of its requests for federal approval to enforce tougher emissions standards for locomotives and semi-trucks, citing a lack of approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This move comes just days before the end of the Biden administration.
During his previous term, the Trump administration sought to undermine California’s climate initiatives, including efforts aimed at reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Among the regulations dropped was a proposal to phase out the sale of new diesel-powered semi-trucks and buses by 2036, a measure that had been approved by the Air Resources Board in 2023. Another regulation slated for approval aimed to ban locomotive engines older than 23 years by 2030 and to boost the adoption of zero-emission technologies for freight transit.
Both initiatives faced significant opposition from industry representatives who labeled them as costly and challenging to implement.
Liane Randolph, Chair of the Air Resources Board, indicated that the agency is exploring alternative strategies to continue its quest to reduce emissions and enhance air quality, though specific plans were not detailed.
“While we are disappointed that the U.S. EPA was unable to act on all the requests in time, the withdrawal is a necessary step considering the uncertainty surrounding the incoming administration that has previously opposed California’s health and climate programs,” Randolph stated.
The EPA’s Pacific Southwest region confirmed that no further action will be taken regarding these rules.
California retains the authority to set emissions standards that surpass federal regulations, though Trump’s administration had challenged this power. However, a federal court affirmed California’s right to enact stringent vehicle emissions rules last year. Recently, the EPA authorized California to enforce a rule banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
A spokesperson for Trump’s transition team did not comment on California’s decision to retract its waiver requests but stated that the president aims to enhance air and water quality during his second term in office.
