States have an opportunity to be more ambitious in new “action plan” on zero-emission trucks, buses

The drive towards a zero-emission future logged another mile of development after the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, representing a coalition of 16 states, the Province of Quebec, and Washington D.C. last week unveiled its draft action strategy to put more electrical trucks and buses on U.S. roads.The draft model action strategy represents an outstanding roadmap for these states as they aim to achieve the zero-emission sales targets laid out in the MOU they all signed back in July 2020: 30% of brand-new truck and bus sales by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Notably, the strategy was established in cooperation with EJ and community supporters, which is an indispensable element of the policymaking process.Given that these states represent about one-third of the U.S. truck market, this dedication– and the plan to accomplish it– are both important pieces of the puzzle to support increased adoption of zero-emission trucks and buses.However, states have a chance to enact more enthusiastic objectives than the ones set out in the NESCAUM MOU and model action strategy– one they can and ought to seize to resolve the considerable health and climate issues positioned by trucks and buses.Truck, bus pollution is deadlyAddressing diesel truck and bus contamination is important. Transportation contamination mapping, tracking and robust screening tools can help make sure proper prioritization of investment.State action on truck and bus contamination is crucial.

The drive toward a zero-emission future logged another mile of progress after the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, representing a coalition of 16 states, the Province of Quebec, and Washington D.C. last week unveiled its draft action strategy to put more electric trucks and buses on U.S. roads.The draft model action plan represents an excellent roadmap for these states as they aim to achieve the zero-emission sales targets outlined in the MOU they all signed back in July 2020: 30% of brand-new truck and bus sales by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Importantly, the plan was established in cooperation with EJ and neighborhood supporters, which is a vital part of the policymaking process.Given that these states represent about one-third of the U.S. truck market, this commitment– and the plan to achieve it– are both important pieces of the puzzle to support increased adoption of zero-emission trucks and buses.However, states have an opportunity to enact more ambitious goals than the ones set out in the NESCAUM MOU and model action plan– one they can and should seize to attend to the considerable health and climate issues posed by trucks and buses.Truck, bus contamination is deadlyAddressing diesel truck and bus pollution is imperative. Transport pollution mapping, monitoring and robust screening tools can assist make sure proper prioritization of investment.State action on truck and bus contamination is important. Key policies like the Advanced Clean Trucks guideline and the Heavy-Duty Omnibus guideline will be important to growing the market for zero-emission trucks and buses, while guaranteeing that new diesel cars are as clean as possible.