Revocation of Endangerment Finding Announced
On Tuesday, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin revealed plans to revoke the Endangerment Finding, a decision that has enabled presidential administrations to regulate greenhouse gases since 2009.
Impact on Regulations
If enacted, this measure would dismantle greenhouse gas regulations established during the Biden and Obama administrations. This includes the EPA’s initial standards from 2010 for light-duty vehicles and the 2011 regulations for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Additionally, it would eliminate the Greenhouse Gas Phase 3 rule that was set to commence for the 2027 model year heavy trucks.
Industry Concerns
Craig Segall, former Deputy Executive Officer and Assistant Chief Counsel of the California Air Resources Board, expressed concerns, stating, “Let’s be clear, this move doesn’t help the trucking industry. It hurts it. It penalizes fleets that have already committed to electric trucks and disrupts long-term industry planning, creating market instability at a time when certainty is essential.”
Electric Truck Market Trends
Although the GHG3 final rule did not specifically require battery electric technologies, its directive for 25% of new heavy trucks sold in the U.S. to be zero-emission by 2032 was criticized as an implicit electric truck mandate. According to a report by CALSTART published last month, adoption of heavy electric trucks in the U.S. remained stagnant last year, with electric yard tractors representing about 2.82% of the total yard tractor fleet.
Negative Repercussions for Innovation
Guillermo Ortiz, Senior Clean Vehicles Advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, highlighted the challenges faced by fleets and manufacturers who invested in clean technology, saying, “Imagine investing in the future, only to have the rug pulled out by your own government. This is a setback for American innovation and a burden on communities near ports and highways.”
Mixed Reactions from Industry Leaders
Jim Mullen, Executive Director of the Clean Freight Coalition, criticized GHG3 as “ill-advised” and “unattainable.” Meanwhile, Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, pointed out the significant reduction in truck emissions over the past three decades, labeling GHG3 as “disastrous.” Both leaders believe that the zero-emission requirement favors battery electric technology over more readily available emissions reduction solutions.
Future Implications and Legal Challenges
The journey to repeal greenhouse gas regulations involves a complex rulemaking process and anticipated legal challenges. Truck and engine manufacturers may also face obligations related to the Clean Truck Partnership they signed with the California Air Resources Board in 2023, a topic still under scrutiny. Additionally, President Trump’s rollbacks of California’s vehicle emissions standards are currently facing litigation.
