American Lung Association Supports EPA Approval of CA’s Advanced Clean Cars II Policy

On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved California’s request for a Clean Air Act waiver, allowing the state to implement its Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) program. This program aims to regulate emissions from passenger vehicles, with the goal of improving air quality and protecting public health by reducing vehicle pollution. Additionally, the EPA also approved a separate program targeting smog-forming emissions from new heavy-duty trucks. With the EPA’s review complete, California and other states will be able to move forward with the ACC II program as scheduled. This approval supports the continued efforts to address the health impacts of vehicle pollution, particularly in areas with high traffic and smog levels.

The American Lung Association’s report “Driving to Clean Air: Health Benefits of Zero-Emission Cars and Electricity” finds that transitioning to 100 percent zero-emission new passenger vehicle sales by 2035, along with the shift to non-combustion electricity generation, would deliver significant public health benefits across the United States. This transition would result in cleaner air, leading to reductions in harmful emissions and improvements in respiratory and cardiovascular health for millions of Americans. The report underscores the potential for zero-emission vehicles and clean electricity to greatly enhance public health nationwide.

According to the American Lung Association’s 2024 “Living and Breathing in California” report, California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) program is expected to significantly improve public health, potentially saving around 1,200 lives and generating $12.9 billion in health benefits by delivering cleaner air. This program’s benefits could extend beyond California, as other states have chosen to participate in it, enhancing protections for their residents’ health as well.

“Approving the Advanced Clean Cars II program is an important step in the ongoing progress needed to clean the nation’s air,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO for the American Lung Association. “Now that EPA has reaffirmed California’s authority and approved the waiver to authorize implementation of this program, California and the other states that have adopted it can move ahead with stronger tools to reduce air pollution. Implementing and enforcing the ACC II program will have lifesaving benefits in the states that have adopted it.”

Additionally, the EPA has approved California’s Clean Air Act waiver for the Low NOx Truck standard, which targets smog-forming emissions from heavy-duty trucks. This initiative is projected to save over 2,400 lives and generate $23 billion in public health benefits in California alone.

The American Lung Association, in its Delivering Clean Air: Health Benefits of Zero-Emission Trucks and Electricity report, highlighted significant public health benefits by 2050 as the nation transitions to zero-emission trucks and power. In U.S. counties with major trucking routes, this shift could result in $735 billion in public health benefits from cleaner air. The reduction in pollution is projected to prevent 66,800 premature deaths, 1.75 million asthma attacks, and 8.5 million lost workdays. These improvements emphasize the crucial health advantages of moving toward zero-emission vehicles and energy sources.

Under the Clean Air Act, California has the authority to adopt vehicle emission standards that are stricter than federal regulations, provided these programs meet specific legal criteria. As a result, the EPA is required to approve state-level programs that comply with these standards. Together, the ACC II, Low NOx Truck program, and six other related initiatives are expected to generate an impressive $116 billion in public health benefits and save over 11,000 lives throughout California over the course of their implementation.

“We urge EPA to approve California’s remaining outstanding waivers and authorizations for other lifesaving clean air programs, allowing states to continue their long-standing commitment to air quality and public health protection,” said Wimmer.

EVinfo.net commends EPA and the American Lung Association for looking out for public health and supporting these forward-thinking EV adoption policies. Not only will EV adoption bring cleaner air and greater health, it brings lower cost of vehicle ownership over time and fights climate change.