CARB Takes Emergency Action to Maintain Strict Vehicle Emissions Standards
California's Air Resources Board (CARB) has taken emergency action to maintain strict vehicle emissions standards, following federal attempts to roll back regulations. Manufacturers risk engine non-compliance if they certify to previous emissions levels, as California's legal battle could result in the sale of non-certified vehicles.
CARB's move comes in response to a lawsuit demanding the reinstatement of earlier emissions regulations, filed in October 2025. The specific plaintiffs remain unidentified. Meanwhile, CARB reported a significant increase in zero-emission vehicle sales, with 23% of new medium- and heavy-duty cars sold in 2024 meeting zero-emission standards, more than double the minimum requirement.
Manufacturers can currently choose between certifying engines under the 2020 Omnibus Low-NOx regulation or the less stringent 2010 EPA levels for school buses and trucks. CARB's proposal allows certification under either earlier-adopted or more stringent emissions standards. However, a group of manufacturers, led by Daimler Truck North America, has challenged CARB's enforcement of these regulations in a lawsuit.
The public was given five business days to comment on CARB's intent to enact Emergency Vehicle Emissions Regulations. This action comes amidst a four-year trend of increasing zero-emission car sales in California, with over 57,000 ZEVs sold since 2021. CARB noted that most engine and vehicle manufacturers have already planned or achieved compliance with more stringent emissions requirements.
CARB's emergency action aims to preserve strict vehicle emissions standards, despite federal challenges. Manufacturers must consider the potential risks of certifying to previous emissions levels, as California's legal battle could impact the sale of non-certified cars. The shift towards zero-emission vehicles continues, with California leading the way.
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