North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The mayors of Asheville, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham and Greensboro in North Carolina have signed a letter, along with 70 other mayors, urging the Biden administration to finalize the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strongest proposed rule for the GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3 rule (HDV rule).
The HDV rule would accelerate the transition from large internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs).
The transition to clean heavy-duty vehicles is already well underway, largely due to the increased funding for electric transit and charging infrastructure included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Mayors point to a “crucial opportunity” to maintain this exciting momentum by supporting the EPA’s strongest proposed HDV emissions standard.
The mayors’ letter follows another letter sent to the White House by over 80 corporate leaders in November, advocating for the same strong standard to be adopted in order to promote economic development, protect American national security and solidify our country’s growing commitment to a clean transportation future.
“From the Blue Ridge mountains to the beaches of Nags Head, North Carolina is ready for new air quality regulations,” said Alex Amoroso, Jr., owner of the North Carolina-based business Cheesecake by Alex. “As a small business owner and an EV driver, I support the proposed reduced emission standards for trucks. We want our kids’ school buses to be electric and our business delivery trucks to have the best air standards possible.”
“Heavy-duty trucks create a disproportionate amount of emissions, particularly in our most marginalized communities, so we must enact the strongest possible emissions standards,” said Electrification Coalition Executive Director Ben Prochazka. “In doing so, we can accelerate freight electrification and finally end oil’s monopoly on freight vehicles. As the world shifts to electric transportation, we cannot fall behind other countries – the time is now. We welcome North Carolina’s local leadership joining this effort to set strong standards, protect public health, and reduce our dependence on oil.”
Read the full letter and recommendations.