California withdraws its diesel truck and locomotive ban

DieselLocomotive_alpegor-AdobeStock_88218477_1920x1080.jpg

alpegor - stock.adobe.com

California has withdrawn its requests for federal approval to implement harsher rules for semi-trucks and locomotives.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“California has withdrawn its pending waiver and authorization requests that U.S. EPA has not yet acted on...While we are disappointed that U.S. EPA was unable to act on all the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

Related Stories
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.