EPA lets California set its own stricter emissions standards until 2035

Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency granted a pair of waivers to California, allowing the Golden State to continue regulating vehicle-caused air pollution within its borders. The first is for the California Air Resources Board's Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, which apply to light- and medium-duty vehicles like passenger cars, SUVs, and smaller trucks. The second waiver is for regulations that control the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) that can be emitted by heavy-duty vehicles as well as off-road vehicles.

The Clean Air Act allows states to apply for a waiver from the EPA to set their own emissions standards in cases where the federal regulations are insufficient to prevent deleterious pollution. The state applied for the latest waivers late in 2023, and after a public comment period and then a review by the agency, the EPA decided to approve them.

"California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. "Today's actions follow through on EPA's commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change."

The ACC II regulations cover 2026–2035, by which point all new light- and medium-duty vehicles sold in the state must be zero emissions. But the regulations will be further-reaching—17 other states, as well as the District of Columbia, also follow CARB's standards.

"We're thankful the EPA is approving the next generation of clean car and truck standards so that states can get moving on implementing their programs to achieve their public health and clean air goals. Auto manufacturers prioritize delivering clean, zero-emission cars to states that have adopted ACC II, so this is a win for consumer choice and healthier communities," said Sierra Club Clean Transportation for All director Katherine Garcia.