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Backed by many in the trucking industry, the Environmental Protection Agency is planning to implement new limits on commercial truck emissions. The new limits appear to be in response to California pushing ahead with laws of its own.
While the State of California also favors nationwide rules, the trucking industry appears to back the move by the EPA because it could put off even stricter regulations that California might implement. California’s role in the process has led to all sides seemingly hoping the EPA would take action.
A vast number of the trucks traveling on California roads are registered out of state. This reality leaves California pushing for nationwide changes. Meanwhile, the impact of California on the trucking industry cannot be ignored given the size of the market. Accordingly, trucking companies have no real choice but to follow standards set forth by the State.
The EPA’s plan itself cuts against the federal government’s general tendency to remove regulations; however, the EPA seems to recognize the necessity of stepping up in this case. The move was also likely helped by lobbying from states and cities such as New York City, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Los Angeles, and Washington State. The new rules will work to limit nitrogen oxide emissions by commercial trucks and The move was also likely helped by lobbying from states and cities such as New York City, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Los Angeles, and Washington State and could pass by 2020.
While it remains to be seen how strict the new regulations that pass wind up being, it is clear that California’s tough stance on emissions compared to the nation as a whole is pushing the country in its direction.