1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

Clean air, zero-emissions vehicles, and clear skies—that’s the future state air quality regulators are building towards with new standards that transition us away from dirty combustion. These regulations set ambitious targets to achieve zero emissions in big rigs, trains, ferries, and cars. These life-saving standards can significantly improve our climate and the air we breathe. However, we need the EPA to issue final approvals for these regulations so states like mine can adopt them. Nearly 60 years ago, Congress granted California the authority to set more protective standards than the federal government to address severe vehicle pollution and lead innovation in pollution control. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to review and waive federal preemption for California’s standards if they meet minimum requirements. Once the EPA grants a waiver, other states can adopt these standards to protect their residents' health. EPA should quickly approve waivers for four critical transportation standards that states across the country can adopt: - **Wave Goodbye to Big Rig Pollution** The Advanced Clean Fleets rule mandates that all truck sales transition to zero emissions by 2036. Although medium and heavy-duty trucks make up just 10% of U.S. vehicles, they account for 25% of transportation greenhouse gas emissions. This new standard complements California’s first zero-emissions trucks rule, which has already been adopted in several states, including New York, New Jersey, and Oregon. - **The Electric Train Era** This groundbreaking standard requires locomotives operating in California to transition to zero emissions, significantly reducing NOx emissions, a major contributor to smog. - **Electrifying Everything on Water** California’s push to electrify everything extends to tugboats, ferries, and commercial fishing boats, which often emit heavy diesel pollution in portside communities. The Commercial Harbor Craft rule is expected to prevent over 500 premature deaths in California. - **100% Zero-Emissions Car Sales** California’s ACC II rule sets a goal for 100% zero-emissions car sales, requiring auto manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of EVs, starting with a 35% sales requirement in 2026, and reaching 100% by 2035. This standard is projected to deliver $12 billion in health benefits in California by reducing premature deaths, hospitalizations, and lost workdays due to polluted air. These benefits will multiply as more states adopt the rule. With Congressional gridlock, this is an easy win for the EPA and the Biden administration. California has already developed these regulations, and states are eager to adopt them—all the EPA needs to do is grant approval. It’s a win-win for the EPA, states, and our health. Urge the EPA to allow these regulations to move forward.