FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9th, 2024
Media Contact:
Emily Murray
emily@sunstonestrategies.org
(805) 699-5242
Clean Air Advocates Urge Regulators to Stop Any Delays to Implementing Life-saving Clean Truck Standards
Massachusetts could miss out on nearly $400 million in health benefits if clean trucks are delayed
Boston — Today, clean air advocates participated in public comment to urge the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to stop any delays to the state’s previously adopted clean truck standards. Advocates called on the board to stand up to polluters and maintain the established timelines with both the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) program and the Low NOx Heavy-Duty Omnibus (HDO) program.
In October, the DEP announced a one-year delay for the implementation of the HDO program amid heavy pressure from truck makers. Truck makers in Massachusetts and across the country are creating a false compliance crisis by setting unnecessary sales ratios to withhold compliant trucks, pushing regulators to delay implementation.
Last month, Governor Healey joined eight other governors in sending a letter to urge truck makers to utilize the multiple compliance pathways and reach agreements with state agencies to effectively implement the clean truck standards. The letter specifically emphasizes the feasibility of the standard and that the “ACT does not place any purchasing requirements on dealers or fleets,” despite what truck manufacturers are telling truck dealers. In today’s meeting, advocates emphasized the importance of implementing clean truck standards on time and called out truck makers’ misinformation by highlighting the flexibilities in the rule and the lack of purchasing requirements for dealers.
“For too long communities across Massachusetts have had to breathe unsafe, polluted air from hundreds of trucks driving through their neighborhoods” Said Andrea Marpillero-Colomina, Policy, Research + Data Analytics Advisor for GreenLatinos. “As in many other states, people of color in Massachusetts are consistently exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 pollutants; Latinos are exposed to 26% more emissions pollution than white Bay Staters. Delaying implementation of life-saving clean truck rules will only lead to more heavily polluting trucks on the road and higher public health costs for years to come. Massachusetts is ready for clean trucks today, we can’t have any more delays.”
In 2021, Massachusetts adopted the clean truck programs — policies designed to tackle deadly diesel pollution by setting increasing sales targets for electric trucks and setting standards for more efficient conventional engines. Both regulations include ample flexibilities that were advocated for and agreed to by truck makers to ensure they are able to comply effectively.
"We are disappointed to hear of the Department of Environmental Protection's decision," said Vick Mohanka, Director of the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter. "Our members are concerned with the government's lack of willingness to bring down emissions in this sector not only for the climate but for vulnerable populations that disproportionately bear the harm from these pollutants."
"More and more businesses are making plans to transition their fleets to clean trucks so they can reduce emissions and save money on fuel and maintenance," said Rishi Reddi, senior advisor for Northeast State Policy at Ceres. "Every business in the Commonwealth should have the option to choose a clean truck the next time they make a purchase, and Massachusetts' clean trucks policies are key to making that possible."
The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that delaying the HDO implementation will lead to preventable air pollution-related deaths, worsen health outcomes for communities across the Commonwealth, and cause Massachusetts to miss out on nearly $400 million in health benefits.
“Delaying clean truck rules means delaying cleaner air, which must be a last resort,” said Jordan Stutt, Senior Director, Northeast Region with CALSTART. “These rules set an achievable glide path for the introduction of zero-emission trucks, and thanks to the Commonwealth’s early efforts, fleets in Massachusetts are already saving money by going electric. Delaying this transition would be misguided and harmful.”
“There are hundreds of zero-emission trucks on the road in Massachusetts, and the trend continues to rise nationwide with 2024 looking to be the best year yet for EV truck adoption,” said Jason Mathers, AVP of Zero-emission Truck Initiative, Environmental Defense Fund. “The HDO and ACT are feasible long-term vehicle standards that are critical to help inform the investments of utility and planning commissions, manufacturers and fleets. The delay on these rules by the DEP creates more uncertainty and rewards actions that impede the transition to a zero-emission future.”
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