The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted California the authority to implement its Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulations and Low-NOx standards, a landmark victory in the state’s efforts to combat some of the worst air quality in the world. The waivers, provided under the Clean Air Act, allow California to enforce stricter emissions standards for vehicles than federal requirements.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of the decision, stating, “California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution. Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change.”
The ACC II program, which covers the 2026 through 2035 vehicle model years, contains the updated regulations pertaining to LEV and ZEVs. Their prime aim is to seriously slash harmful emissions, such as particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbons responsible for smog formation, which deteriorate the state’s public health conditions. CARB stressed that new regulations, in respect, are important for safeguarding public health and communities from pollutants that aggravate asthma, trigger more hospitalizations, lost workdays, and schooldays.
Complementing the ACC II program, the Low-NOx regulations target emissions from heavy-duty and off-road vehicles. Nitrogen oxides are a major contributor to ground-level ozone, or smog, which has been linked with respiratory illnesses and other health problems. The standards will likely have the effect of lowering illness rates and health care costs associated with those illnesses, especially for the most vulnerable communities that often suffer disproportionately from air pollution.
The EPA’s decision came after the agency conducted a thorough review of the public comments from a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental organizations, and industry representatives. Opponents of the waivers could not point out any inconsistencies with the Clean Air Act, paving the way for the approval.
California’s achievement serves as a national precedent, reinforcing the importance of state-led initiatives in environmental policymaking. Other states looking to adopt stricter emissions standards are likely to follow California’s lead, bolstered by the EPA’s endorsement. This decision underscores the crucial role states play in advancing clean air policies and addressing climate change through localized solutions.
The ACC II program and Low-NOx standards represent a major step forward in the battle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health. Through the regulation of smog-forming pollutants and the promotion of cleaner vehicle technologies, these standards will help to cut down on the health risks of air pollution, such as asthma and other respiratory diseases.
California’s proactive approach sets a benchmark for environmental governance, demonstrating that bold, state-driven actions can complement federal efforts to combat climate change. The EPA’s support affirms the value of granting states the flexibility to address their unique environmental challenges while contributing to national and global sustainability goals.
For additional details on California’s waivers and the administrative process behind these approvals, visit the EPA’s dedicated webpage on California Waivers and Authorizations.