In a move to address climate change and reduce air pollution, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued stringent emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses. Similar regulations were enacted by the California government last year, which are expected to remain more stringent than the federal rules.

The newly-introduced federal standards are projected to curb a billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year and bring about financial benefits worth $13 billion annually. The regulations will apply to a range of vehicles, including big rigs, delivery trucks, cement mixers, garbage trucks, transit buses, and school buses.

Unlike California's rules, which emphasize the use of new electric battery and fuel cell trucks, the federal regulations allow more flexibility in vehicle fuel, as long as air emissions standards are met. Gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, hydrogen, and electric-drive trucks will be permitted under the federal rules. However, it is acknowledged that the regulations will necessitate a significant increase in the number of electric trucks.

These new regulations align with the recently finalized rules for passenger cars and trucks, which will also lead to a rapid increase in the sale of electric vehicles. In California, these regulations are even more stringent, with a mandate that all new cars and pickups sold must be electric by 2035.

Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 29% of all emissions in the US, and nearly 50% in California, where the electric power sector is cleaner compared to the national average. Furthermore, transportation emissions contribute significantly to pollution and health degradation, particularly in areas with heavy truck traffic.

The American Lung Association has highlighted the serious health hazards caused by exposure to traffic-related pollution, including poor birth outcomes, reduced lung and cognitive development, chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and increased risks of dementia, cancer, and premature death. Transitioning to zero-emission trucks and electricity, according to the association's estimates, could potentially save nearly 67,000 lives by 2050.

While concerns over government mandates have been raised, officials argue that the shift away from fossil fuels will have economic benefits. However, the transition will come with a substantial price tag. Currently, electric big rigs cost two to three times more than diesel trucks, with prices reaching up to $500,000. A study conducted by the trucking industry suggests that achieving a 100% zero-emission trucking fleet in the US by 2050 would cost over $1 trillion, including the expansion of charging infrastructure and electrical capacity.

Proponents of the rules believe that as manufacturing scales up, costs will decrease. John Boesel, CEO of CALSTART, a clean transportation advocacy group, emphasized the importance of the EPA's new regulations in signaling the need for investment in charging infrastructure and supporting US manufacturing in meeting climate goals by 2030.

California, with its ambitious climate goals, including the intention to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel-powered cars and light trucks by 2035, has received praise for its zero-emission mandates. Truck manufacturers have also expressed approval of the flexibility offered by the national regulations, acknowledging the importance of reliable charging and refueling infrastructure for a successful transition.

However, the differences between California's zero-emission mandates and the more flexible federal rules present challenges for the industry, sparking anticipation for political lobbying and policy controversies in the future. It is worth noting that electric vehicle sales in California experienced a significant decline in the latter half of 2023, raising questions about the state's ability to phase out gas-powered vehicles.

As the US takes steps to combat climate change and improve air quality, the EPA's new emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses aim to drive the adoption of cleaner technologies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While addressing the associated challenges, the regulations are set to foster innovation, create jobs, and pave the way for a cleaner and healthier future.