Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Pollution Control Board (PCB) has decided to pause its review of proposed rules that would have aligned the state with California’s Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus standards. These regulations aimed to gradually eliminate the sale of new gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, including cars, pick-up trucks, work vans, and SUVs by 2035, except for certain limited cases. The proposal also included significant requirements for electrification of medium- and heavy-duty trucks: by 2035, 55% of new Class 2b-3 truck sales, 75% of new Class 4-8 straight truck sales, and 40% of new truck tractor sales would need to be electric. Additionally, stricter testing and emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks were part of the package.

The board’s decision follows congressional action to repeal federal waivers that previously allowed California to set its own vehicle emissions standards independently from federal guidelines. In response to this legislative move, California has filed a lawsuit against the federal government on grounds that Congress overstepped its authority in revoking these waivers.

According to the PCB’s official statement regarding its order: “that in issuing this stay, it is not taking a position on the merits of the proposed rulemaking.” The board clarified it will suspend consideration until courts resolve the legal dispute between California and the federal government.

Earlier in the year, representatives from NFIB participated in a PCB hearing where they discussed concerns about how these proposed rules could negatively affect small businesses across Illinois.