• California withdrew federal requests for stricter emissions rules for diesel trains and trucks.
• This decision anticipated potential pushback from the Trump administration.
• The California Air Resources Board had aimed to ban new diesel-powered trucks by 2036.
• Chair Liane Randolph expressed disappointment at the EPA's inaction regarding these emissions regulations.
• California retains the right to set emissions standards stricter than federal regulations.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In a significant move, California has withdrawn its requests for federal approval to impose stricter emission rules on diesel-powered trains and semi-trucks, anticipating opposition from the incoming administration of Donald Trump. This decision comes as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) faces a deadline for the approval of substantial emissions regulations, which the AP News reported were initially approved in 2023.

Among these regulations was a controversial rule that would ban the sale of new diesel-powered semi-trucks from 2036, aimed at reducing truck emissions that severely impact air quality. Another directive sought to phase out locomotive engines older than 23 years by 2030 and advocate for increased use of zero-emissions technology in freight transport, which faced scrutiny from industry groups concerned over cost and practical implementation challenges.

Chair Liane Randolph expressed frustration at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for not acting on the requests, indicating that it surrenders any immediate push for California to continue pushing for these emission standards. “While we are disappointed that the U.S. EPA was unable to act on all the requests in time, the withdrawal is an important step given the uncertainty presented by the incoming administration,” she stated. The Guardian echoed these sentiments regarding the state’s ongoing challenges in its battle for emission controls.

During Trump’s previous administration, the federal government had actively challenged California’s authority to enforce its own strict emission standards, a point contested in court. Despite the hurdles, a federal court ruled last year that California retains the right to establish its own vehicle emissions regulations, promoting standards considered more stringent than federal levels.

As the state recalibrates its approach in light of the new administration, both industry and environmental advocates are awaiting further developments on how California will continue its commitment to tackling emissions and improving public health.