North Carolina takes important step toward decarbonizing its transportation sector and improving its air quality, directing agency to adopt clean trucks rule
Today, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order directing the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to draft regulations for the adoption of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, an important step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s transportation sector and to protecting public health.
“Transportation is the largest greenhouse gas emitting sector in North Carolina, and Governor Cooper’s executive order will reduce emissions, support economic growth, and improve public health in communities across the state,” says Jeremy Tarr, U.S. State Policy Director at Clean Air Task Force. “Given the transportation industry’s movement toward zero-emission vehicles and the availability of new federal financial incentives, now is an opportune time for North Carolina and other states to adopt the Advanced Clean Trucks rule. ACT adoption will advance North Carolina’s commitment to economic development and environmental justice, and today’s announcement aligns well with the state’s ongoing work to decarbonize the transportation sector, invest Volkswagen Settlement Funds, develop an N.C. Clean Transportation Plan, and enhance workforce opportunities in a clean energy economy. We look forward to working with state officials and stakeholders to finalize and implement a strong clean trucks rule.”
“Governor Cooper’s commitment adds North Carolina to the growing list of states that have adopted rules to reduce emissions from transportation,” says Jonathan Lewis, Director of Transportation Decarbonization at Clean Air Task Force. “The global transportation sector makes up approximately 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions and includes a diverse array of vehicles, from buses to heavy-duty vehicles to long-haul trucks, and more. Adoption of an Advanced Clean Truck rule is an important tool in the climate toolbox to improve air quality, drive a clean energy economy, and achieve our climate goals”
Earlier this year, CATF released an interactive map, “Deaths by Dirty Diesel,” which analyzes the negative health impacts of diesel emissions by state, county, and metropolitan area. It includes data on the deaths from diesel, and other health and economic risks associated with diesel pollution. To learn more about CATF’s work to decarbonize the transportation sector, please visit https://www.catf.us/work/zero-carbon-fuels/.
Press Contact
Samantha Sadowski, Communications Manager, U.S., ssadowski@catf.us, +1 202-440-1717
About Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With 25 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.
