Contact: Les Braswell | (803) 429-6260
(TUCSON, AZ) – Last week, state leaders, including Representative Keith Seaman (District 16), and public health advocates convened for a press conference to celebrate the recent finalization of the clean truck standards by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) targeting heavy-duty vehicles to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The transportation sector is the leading source of domestic carbon pollution in the U.S. These new clean truck standards represent a historic step forward in addressing diesel pollution and transitioning the heavy-duty truck sector to a cleaner and more efficient future. The EPA estimates that these new safeguards will lead to half of new buses and a quarter of new heavy trucks sold being zero-emission by 2032.
Speakers discussed the economic, environmental, and health benefits of cleaner air and the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Representative Keith Seaman highlighted the regional impacts, stating, “These landmark clean truck standards mark a significant advancement for our rural communities in Southern Arizona. It promises enhanced air quality and health while fostering economic opportunities through innovative technologies in transportation. Just as important, these standards recognize the unique needs of our agricultural sectors, ensuring that our vital farming operations continue without additional regulatory burdens.”
Ylenia Aguilar, EcoMadres/Moms Clean Air Force, Southwest Organizer, reflected on the community impact. “These new standards are a victory for every family in Tucson, advancing public health equity and protecting our children from the harmful effects of air pollution. Yet, our continued advocacy is crucial to ensure these standards translate into tangible health benefits for our communities most exposed to Arizona’s heavy freight corridors. Ignoring carbon pollution only exacerbates the environmental injustices facing communities that have disproportionately borne the greatest impact from tailpipe pollution.”
Dr. Chris Lim, Assistant Professor, Community, Environment & Policy Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, highlighted the public health advantages of the new EPA rules. “Thanks to these new clean truck standards, we anticipate significant reductions in pollution-related health issues across Arizona. These standards are a crucial advancement in our fight against climate change and play a pivotal role in safeguarding the health of Arizonans amid rising air quality concerns. By cutting a billion tons of carbon pollution and substantially lowering nitrogen oxide and particulate matter levels, these standards are transforming our approach to public health and environmental care.”
Dr. Brian Drummond, MD, Chair and Co-Founder, Arizona Health Professionals for Climate Action, addressed the clinical outcomes. “As climate change continues to pose increasing public health challenges in Arizona, these new standards emerge as a vital tool for reducing the health impacts of air pollution. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations prone to asthma and cardiovascular diseases. As a medical professional, I view these standards as an essential step towards mitigating the broader effects of climate change and significantly enhancing patient health through the promotion of cleaner air.”
In conclusion, speakers joined to thank the EPA and the Biden administration for finalizing these new clean truck standards beginning in model year 2027, and called on our elected leaders to oppose any attempt to eliminate or weaken them.
A recording of the event is available [HERE].