Bill Aims to Repeal Truck Emissions Standards, Waivers

Lawmakers are seeking to turn back truck emissions standards set under the prior administration, while also preventing related waivers from being given in the future. 

The Transportation Freedom Act, introduced in the Senate on Feb. 25 by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), specifically takes aim at Phase 3 greenhouse gas standards introduced in March 2024. 

Those standards required manufacturers to steadily increase fuel efficiency in new models. 

Regarding the waiver component, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has previously issued waivers to California that allowed the state to set its own emission standards. The Transportation Freedom Act would prohibit further waivers and revoke any existing waivers for zero-emission vehicles. 

Some in the trucking industry have already offered their support, with American Trucking Associations CEO Chris Spear stating, “The trucking industry commends Senator Bernie Moreno for introducing the Transportation Freedom Act, which would restore commonsense at EPA and put an end to states like California creating a patchwork of unachievable timelines and targets. His legislation will prevent price hikes for consumers, allow innovation to flourish and foster achievable national standards that put us back on the path to lowering emissions without causing supply chain disruptions.”