California withdraws its diesel truck and locomotive ban

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California has withdrawn its requests for federal approval to implement harsher rules for semi-trucks and locomotives. The move is in preparation for the incoming second Trump Administration.

One of the rules the state pulled after the EPA failed to approve it would have phased out the sale of new diesel-powered buses and semi-trucks by 2036, according to AP News. Another rule would have 23 banned locomotive engines, that were older than 23 years, by 2030 and increase zero-emissions technology use to transport freight from ports.

Air Resources Board Chair Liane Rudolph says the agency will continue its efforts to improve air quality.

“California has withdrawn its pending waiver and authorization requests that U.S. EPA has not yet acted on...While we are disappointed that U.S. EPA was unable to act on all the requests in time, the withdrawal is an important step given the uncertainty presented by the incoming administration that previously attacked California’s programs to protect public health and the climate and has said will continue to oppose those programs.”

Story via Sophie Austin with AP News

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