- North Carolina is seeking to phase-out diesel trucks and buses, which emit more than 25% of the state’s smog and 30% of particulate matter.
- New regulations would vehicles weighing at least 8,500 pounds (e.g., delivery vans, box trucks, garbage trucks, tractor trailers, etc.).
- In-person person public hearings on the rule will be held this month in Charlotte, Burlington and Pembroke, followed by a virtual hearing on February 21.
By: Public Service News | January 9, 2023
North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality hosts a virtual public information session today on changes the state is considering to boost the number of electric trucks traveling its roads, and phase out the use of greenhouse-gas-spewing diesel guzzlers.
Trucks and buses make up around 3% of road traffic, but emit 26% of North Carolina’s smog and 32% percent of particulate matter and other hazardous air pollutants.
Jeff Robbins – executive director of CleanAIRE NC – said exposure to air pollution is known to increase asthma, heart attacks, increase COVID-19 risk and other conditions, and says the health of North Carolinians depends on shifting to electric heavy-duty vehicles.
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