Pollution

EPA Considers Rule Changes To Reduce Heavy-Duty Truck Pollution

The agency announced Tuesday that it's starting the process of revamping emissions standards for heavy-duty highway trucks.

EPA Considers Rule Changes To Reduce Heavy-Duty Truck Pollution
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The Environmental Protection Agency is looking at making some changes to air pollution standards for certain trucks. 

EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the launch of the Cleaner Trucks Initiative on Tuesday. Its goal is to reduce nitrogen oxide, or NOx, emissions from heavy-duty highway trucks.

The last time those standards were updated was in 2001. According to the EPA, even though NOx emissions have dropped by more than 40 percent over the last decade, heavy-duty trucks will still be responsible for one-third of those emissions in 2025. 

This appears to mark a shift for the EPA. Under President Trump, the agency has moved to roll back air pollution regulations issued by the Obama administration. 

Further details haven't been issued yet, but EPA officials say they plan to start the rulemaking process with a goal of publishing a proposal in 2020.