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.

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