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California is waiting for the EPA approve a rule that would hasten the electrification of cargo trucks at seaports. Meanwhile, diesel-powered big rigs continue to be granted access to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, seen here.
California is waiting for the EPA approve a rule that would hasten the electrification of cargo trucks at seaports. Meanwhile, diesel-powered big rigs continue to be granted access to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, seen here. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

cities & towns, climate change, law & policy

California voted to ban new diesel trucks at ports. Why did L.A. and Long Beach just add 1,000 more?

UCLA environmental law professor and former acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Ann Carlson spoke with LA Times about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s delay in granting a waiver for California’s “Advanced Clean Fleets” rule.

Carlson highlights how California holds the distinction as the only state that can regulate vehicle emissions, so long as it obtains permission from the EPA. The state has used these powers to adopt groundbreaking rules, such as requiring cars to be outfitted with catalytic converters and check engine lights.

“That’s the dance that’s been going on since the mid-1960s,” Carlson said. “California leads, in part, because EPA grants its waiver. Then California pushes the rest of the country.”