Biden administration faces tight deadline to approve California's locomotive and truck rules

With less than two weeks before Trump’s inauguration, California is pressing the Biden administration to approve its remaining emissions rules for trucks and trains, which could bring billions in health benefits but faces industry resistance.

Blanca Begert and Alex Nieves report for POLITICO.

In short:

California’s locomotive rule mandates all new trains be zero-emission by 2035, while the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule requires fleets to shift toward zero-emission trucks.
Industry groups, including the Association of American Railroads and the California Trucking Association, have challenged the rules in court, arguing regulatory overreach.
Environmental advocates warn that failure to secure federal approval before Trump takes office could jeopardize key climate initiatives aimed at reducing smog-forming pollutants.

Key quote:

“It’s a huge deal. This is a fundamental reshaping of the way that at least California’s supply chain would work.”

— Chris Shimoda, California Trucking Association senior vice president

Why this matters:

The rules aim to significantly cut air pollution linked to heart disease, asthma and other health issues. Without federal approval, California’s ability to enforce these standards and meet ozone reduction goals could be compromised.

www.politico.com

Biden administration faces tight deadline to approve California's locomotive and truck rules

Organic beef has a larger carbon footprint than feedlot beef

Tribes hit hard by wildfires face health effects, cultural losses

Rooftop rainwater sprinkler systems could help cool warming cities, study says

Judge says EPA illegally canceled $7B solar program

Scientists developing new soybean to store carbon, withstand drought

How climate change worsened Nepal's deadly mountain collapse

‘Forcing a reckoning’: How Asia is preparing for a ‘supersized’ El Niño

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.