Federal, state agencies moving to tighten vehicle emissions standards

Both federal and state agencies are moving quickly to tighten emissions standards for vehicles.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced proposed changes to emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles beginning in model year 2027, with progressively lower standards for each model year through 2032.

The EPA plans to hold virtual public hearings on light- and medium-duty vehicle standards on May 9 and 10, and on heavy-duty vehicle standards on May 2 and 3.

On March 30, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection amended the Low-Emission Vehicle Program to formally adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II standards developed by the California Air Resources Board.

The ACCII standards require automobile manufacturers to sell 100% zero-emission vehicles by model year 2035. The targets start with a 35% requirement in model year 2026 and gradually increase to 100%. Emissions standards for new gasoline-powered vehicles also become more stringent.

Adoption of the ACCII standards was required for compliance with the Massachusetts Clean Air Act and is intended to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants and greenhouse gasses, improve air quality, and reduce the adverse impacts of climate change.