On August 12, 2024, 65 health and medical organizations submitted comments to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urging the agency to approve eight California clean air rules pending authorization. These emissions reductions are projected to save 11,000 lives in California, with health benefits exceeding $116 billion over the course of implementation.
Under the Clean Air Act, California has the authority to establish more health-protective clean air protections than the federal government but must petition EPA for a waiver or authorization. Currently, eight requests have been submitted to EPA for programs that include zero-emission technology requirements for passenger vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, locomotive operations, maritime operations, landscaping, and other off-road equipment. The letter precedes an upcoming public hearing on one of these programs: California’s Advanced Clean Fleets policy aimed at expanding zero-emission trucking fleets in the state.
“The American Lung Association calls on EPA to act without delay to authorize the full suite of California clean air policies. There is much at stake, especially when considering that nearly every Californian lives in a community impacted by unhealthy air. These policies will save thousands of lives, generate tens of billions of dollars in health benefits and cut the risk of lung cancer in the most impacted communities. They’ll also ensure states outside of California have the option to implement stronger policies to benefit their residents’ health,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association.
In its 2024 "State of the Air" report, the American Lung Association found that California remains home to some of the nation's most challenging air pollution issues. Six California cities rank among America's top ten smoggiest cities, and eight are among those most affected by particle pollution. The standards adopted by the California Air Resources Board followed years of public process and stakeholder engagement and are critical for achieving National Ambient Air Quality Standards set by EPA. Reducing emissions leading to unhealthy levels of air pollution is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations such as children.
“Pediatricians know that children are uniquely vulnerable to hazardous air pollution and its serious health consequences. Children are not little adults; their lungs are still developing, putting them at greater risk for harmful impacts on their lifelong health and development. We encourage EPA to authorize these pending California clean air programs which would help reduce health harms from motor vehicle pollution in California and other states as well. All children should be able to breathe clean air no matter where they live. Our organizations will continue advocating for stronger clean air rules at national, state, and local levels – children's health is at stake,” said American Academy of Pediatrics President Benjamin D. Hoffman.
California has unique authority under the Clean Air Act to develop rules stronger than equivalent federal rules while other states can opt into these more protective standards. To date, 12 states have adopted California’s pending Advanced Clean Cars II program aimed at reducing combustion vehicle pollution and increasing zero-emission vehicle sales over coming decades. Approval of this waiver request by EPA will allow these states to implement the program on schedule with expanded health benefits beyond those specific to California.
