The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the finalization of its disapproval of California’s Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Regulation under the Clean Air Act (CAA) that applied to out-of-state and out-of-country registered vehicles.
EPA determined that the state’s attempt to establish an inspection and maintenance program for heavy-duty vehicles that pass through California may violate federal law. The agency said the state failed to prove that implementing the regulation would be consistent with the Commerce Clause, which prevents states from interfering with interstate and international trade.
“While California may force costly regulations on vehicles registered in its own state, EPA will not allow California to impose those costly regulations on American truck drivers and engine manufacturers in other states or countries for its own purposes by misusing the CAA,” the agency said.
The agency’s partial approval will allow the state’s regulation to become federally enforceable for non-gasoline combustion vehicles over 14,000 pounds registered in California.
