California Adopts Regulations to Combat Freight Pollution 

SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) took strong action to combat freight pollution by adopting two regulations: the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule and the In-Use Locomotive Rule. These new rules will accelerate the transition towards zero-emission trucks and cut pollution from locomotives, resulting in cleaner air and a healthier environment for all Californians. 

"The adoption of the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule is a significant milestone for California's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality for impact," said Guillermo Ortiz, a clean vehicle advocate at NRDC. "This regulation will help drive the transition to cleaner, zero-emission trucks, create good jobs, and reduce pollution from the transportation sector, which is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state." 

The Advanced Clean Fleets Rule will require certain types of private and public fleets to purchase an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles starting in 2024. By 2036, all new truck sales must also be zero-emission. This regulation will reduce emissions from the transportation sector and accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. 

"The In-Use Locomotive Rule is a critical step towards reducing emissions from locomotives and improving air quality in communities near rail yards," said Heather Kryczka, a staff attorney at NRDC. "This rule will save thousands of lives, provide $32 billion in health benefits, and provide emissions reductions critical for California to meet federal air quality standards." 

The In-Use Locomotive Rule will require railroads to phase out use of the oldest, dirtiest locomotives in California and operate using cleaner or zero emission technologies. The rule will also advance development and deployment of zero emission locomotives and reduce idling.  

The adoption of these two regulations is an important step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. According to the latest State of the Air analysis by the American Lung Association, California continues to dominate the rankings for dirtiest air in the nation. “These rules are a testament to the state's commitment to creating a healthier environment for all Californians while leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Patricio Portillo, a senior advocate at NRDC.  
 
For more on the Advanced Clean Fleets and In-Use Locomotive Rules, please see this blog.

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.