Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Pollution Control Board is preparing to conduct additional hearings regarding the adoption of certain vehicle emissions standards currently in place in California. The regulations under consideration include Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and the Low NOx Heavy-Duty Omnibus Regulation.

These hearings are scheduled for March 10-12, with opportunities for public comments on March 10 (in-person) and March 11 (online).

If implemented, the proposed rules would initiate a phase-out of new gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles such as cars, pick-up trucks, work vans, and SUVs. This would culminate in a complete ban on non-electric vehicle sales by 2035, with some exceptions. Additionally, there would be a reduction in traditional gasoline- and diesel-powered medium- and heavy-duty truck sales across various classes by specified percentages by 2035.

The proposals also aim to introduce comprehensive testing and emissions standards for new heavy-duty trucks.

This initiative was introduced last summer by a coalition of environmental activist groups who expressed their support during hearings held in December. The upcoming March hearings will provide a platform for opponents to express their concerns about these proposed regulations. A similar proposal did not progress during the spring 2023 legislative session.