New California rule would ban diesel truck sales by 2036

The news

California state regulators on Friday approved a ban on the sale of new large oil rigs and diesel-powered buses by 2036.

The rule is the latest in a series of increasingly ambitious measures by California and the federal government to curb global warming from vehicles, the country’s largest source of greenhouse gases.

The California Air Resources Board passed the ordinance, which would completely eliminate sales of new trucks that emit carbon dioxide statewide by 2045. The rule builds in intermediate targets for government organizations and private companies to reduce the use of diesel trucks in the coming years.

The ban, if approved by the federal government, would lead to the most stringent practices regarding truck emissions in the country, keeping California at the forefront of states in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Some large companies have already started using heavy-duty vehicles that emit little to no carbon dioxide, but the plan calls for a full transition in purchasing new trucks by 2036.

“This rule provides reassurance to manufacturers, truck owners and tank suppliers that there will be a market and demand for zero-emission vehicles, while providing a flexible path to make the transition to clean air,” said Liane Randolph, chairman of the board of directors. in a statement.

But the American Trucking Associations, a trade association for the trucking industry, criticized the ban, saying it has worked to significantly reduce emissions but needs more flexibility. Chris Spear, the group’s president and chief executive, said California was setting “unrealistic goals and unattainable timelines” that will increase costs.

The state hopes the ban will save money related to health costs caused by pollution, including asthma attacks and respiratory disease.