California adopts major pollution cuts for diesel trucks and ships

by Tony Barboza, The Los Angeles Times

Highlights

The California Air Resources Board approved new standards that will significantly lower smog pollution from diesel trucks and cargo ships as trucks emit close to one-third of smog pollution and cargo ships are on their way to be more polluting than trucks within the next 3 years
- The new standards would reduce allowable emissions of nitrogen oxides from new trucks 90% by 2027 and require cargo ships that are docked at ports to plug into electric power
- Curbing these emissions can prevent nearly 4,000 early deaths
These rules represent the state’s biggest cut in smog-forming pollutants since 2008, equivalent to taking 16 million cars off the road
These emissions have been disproportionately harming communities of color located near ports and warehouses as the pollution increases the rate of deadly health impacts
An air board staff analysis found these new rules would reduce cancer risk for about 2.4 million residents living around the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
Many environmentalists say that these standards are not stringent enough and would be implemented too late, as frontline communities continue to breathe polluted air until the rules take effect
The new emissions standards come after the air board required manufacturers to transition to zero-emission electric or fuel cell models until every new truck sold in the state is zero-emission by 2045

The Climate Center’s Climate-Safe California Campaign includes measures for clean transportation systems. For a safe and healthy future for all, endorse the Climate-Safe California Platform to implement scalable solutions that can reverse the climate crisis.

Nina Turner

Energy Programs and Communications Coordinator

Janina is a graduate of the Energy Management and Design program at Sonoma State University with experience in non-profits that specialize in sustainability and volunteerism.

Read full bio