The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) Condemns EPA’s Decision to Block California’s Heavy-Duty Vehicle Rule

Jurupa Valley, CA - The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) condemns the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to block key portions of California’s Heavy-Duty (HD) Inspection & Maintenance rule, weakening protections meant to reduce harmful diesel pollution and safeguard public health in overburdened communities. (US EPA)

“Our communities already suffer some of the worst air pollution in the country because of dirty diesel trucks,” said Ana Gonzalez, Executive Director of CCAEJ. “This decision puts industry interests ahead of people’s health and ignores the lived reality of families breathing toxic air every day.”

The EPA claims the rule cannot apply to out-of-state and out-of-country vehicles, citing federal law and the Commerce Clause. That justification ignores the overwhelming health benefits of reducing this pollution and dismisses the disproportionate harm caused by heavy-duty diesel traffic in communities near freight corridors, ports, and major transportation routes.

“This decision is a major setback for environmental justice,” said Marla A. Matime of CCAEJ. “Heavy-duty diesel pollution is a known health threat, and blocking this rule denies frontline communities a critical tool to protect their right to breathe clean air.”

California’s rule requires stronger inspection and maintenance standards to cut emissions linked to asthma, heart disease, cancer, and premature death—pollution that overwhelmingly impacts low-income communities and communities of color. EPA’s action approves the standards as they apply to trucks registered in California and disapproves the standards as they apply to trucks registered out-of-state. The action, among other things, shields out-of-state trucks from being held accountable by citizens or EPA.

CCAEJ calls on the EPA to reverse course, uphold California’s authority under the Clean Air Act, and prioritize the health of frontline communities over industry pressure.

About CCAEJ

The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental justice, community empowerment, and the protection of human health in underserved communities. Through advocacy, education, and grassroots organizing, CCAEJ works to address environmental issues and create sustainable and equitable communities for all. For more information, please visit www.ccaej.org or follow us on social media platforms @ccaej.