US Agency Seeks to Ease Biden's Emissions Rules

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed loosening heavy-duty truck and engine emissions regulations adopted by former President Joe Biden's administration in 2023. It would also temporarily allow manufacturers to continue selling some current engines while they complete development of models that comply with stricter emissions limits due to take effect in 2027.

The EPA said manufacturers had faced technical challenges developing engines that meet the new requirements. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin argued that the existing rules were unworkable and had driven up production costs. The proposal is expected to save an estimated $12bn.

Even with the changes, the reduction in nitrogen oxides is expected to reach 90% of the level originally envisioned under the Biden administration. Environmental groups, including the Environmental Defense Fund, strongly criticized the proposal, arguing that weaker standards would increase air pollution, harm public health and raise medical costs. Instead of banning non-compliant diesel engines, the EPA is proposing financial penalties that would allow them to remain on the market.

The proposal follows a series of moves by the Trump administration to roll back Biden-era vehicle emissions policies and make it easier to sell gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. Last year, Congress passed legislation suspending the collection of fines for failing to comply with emissions standards.

In February, the EPA also repealed its finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health and eliminated federal tailpipe emissions standards for passenger cars and trucks.

(Reuters, Max)