California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have filed motions to intervene in litigation to defend the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to grant two Clean Air Act waivers. These waivers authorize the enforcement of CARB’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) and Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus regulations. The measures aim to reduce emissions from vehicles, addressing climate change and improving public health.
The American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce is challenging these waivers in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Attorney General Bonta stated, "Any attempt to undermine California’s Clean Air Act waivers puts our State at risk of falling further behind in our fight against climate change and environmental harm."
CARB Chair Liane Randolph emphasized the importance of these regulations, saying, "California’s persistent air quality challenges require urgent solutions." She highlighted that transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, with passenger vehicles contributing significantly.
The EPA granted California two waivers last December, allowing enforcement of ACC II and Omnibus regulations. ACC II mandates that by 2035, 80% of passenger vehicles sold in California must be zero-emission. The Omnibus regulation sets strict standards for oxides of nitrogen emissions from heavy-duty trucks.
The coalition supporting these motions includes attorneys general from several states and cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. They argue that these waivers will drive technological advancements and economic growth while reducing harmful emissions.