EPA clears California plans to phase out diesel trucks

The Environmental Protection Agency granted permission to California to proceed with plans for gradually phasing out diesel trucks in favor of zero-emissions heavy vehicles, a requirement that will have major effects on the nation’s transportation system.

The EPA granted waivers to California under the Clean Air Act allowing the state to proceed with regulations for emissions from heavy vehicles.

“Under the Clean Air Act, California has long-standing authority to address pollution from cars and trucks,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a press release. “Today’s announcement allows the state to take additional steps in reducing their transportation emissions through these new regulatory actions.”