Twelve AGs Sent Comments to EPA Supporting Increased State Authority over Locomotive Emissions

JUNE 16, 2023

California Attorney General Rob Bonta led a coalition of 12 attorneys general in sending comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revisions to its preemption regulation specific to locomotives and locomotive engines. The AGs supported EPA’s proposal to delete a section of the regulations in order to clarify states’ authority to regulate emissions from existing locomotives. The coalition explained that toxic emissions from diesel locomotives have harmful health effects, especially on communities living near rail lines, which are often lower-income communities and communities of color. The AGs also emphasized that EPA’s proposed revisions would help states better meet federal air quality standards.