SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced its support of new standards finalized today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that will reduce carbon pollution and improve fuel efficiency from medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

The Phase 2 standards announced today will cut emissions and improve efficiency for a wide range of vehicles, from heavy-duty pickups to large 18-wheel tractor-trailer trucks. They include the first ever national standards for improved aerodynamics and more efficient low-rolling resistance tires on big-rig trailers.

CARB staff worked closely with EPA and NHTSA staff over the past several years as the technical elements of standards were in development, and submitted detailed comments on the proposed standards last October. The federal agencies modified their proposal to address many of CARB's concerns, including greater emphasis on advanced technologies and mitigating potential increases in diesel particulate matter emissions.

"With this rule, the Obama Administration has made good on its commitment to cut climate pollutants from big trucks and engines that move freight across our country, from ports and distribution centers," said CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols. "We are pleased to see that EPA increased its emphasis on advanced technologies that can help reduce the impact of diesel particulate in our communities as well."

This federal action is a good foundation as California considers strengthening its own heavy-duty greenhouse gas requirements in support of a national program. To meet our long-term greenhouse gas goals out to 2050, California will need to continue to make progress, even after the Phase 2 standards are fully implemented in 2027. CARB is looking forward to continued cooperation with the federal agencies and the heavy-duty industry on this long-term effort.

To keep abreast of new developments as California develops its Phase 2 Heavy-Duty Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards, sign up here for the listserv. To learn more, visit California Phase 2.

The new federal Heavy-Duty Phase 2 regulation is here: on https://www3.epa.gov/otaq/climate/regs-heavy-duty.htm