Sixteen AGs Filed Petition for Reconsideration on EPA’s Air Pollution Standards for Vehicles

MARCH 27, 2023

New York Attorney General Letitia James led a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing a petition for reconsideration of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule to reduce air pollution from heavy-duty engines and vehicles. Specifically, the AGs urged EPA to strengthen the nitrous oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions standards in the rule, arguing that certain provisions in the final rule “conflict[ed] with EPA’s duty to set standards that provide ‘the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable.’” Specifically the AGs state that EPA did not provide sufficient notice and opportunity for comment on certain compliance flexibilities that weaken the final rule. The petition notes that both NOx and PM have negative health effects, and the excess emissions allowed by the final rule will disproportionately harm overburdened communities.