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The
bill, which was backed by Republicans and Democratic Senator Joe
Manchin, seeks to repeal the Biden administration rule finalized
in December.
Republicans argue it was overly challenging to implement, would
make trucks cost prohibitive for small business owners, and
increase supply chain costs. The White House said the rule "cuts
pollution, boosts public health, and advances environmental
justice."
Under the Congressional Review Act, a simple majority vote in
both chambers of Congress can reverse recently finalized rules.
The House of Representatives has not yet voted on the bill.
The new standards, the first update to clean air standards for
heavy duty trucks in more than two decades, are 80% more
stringent than current standards.
The EPA estimates by 2045, the rule will result up to 2,900
annual fewer premature deaths, 1.1 million fewer lost school
days for children and $29 billion in annual net benefits.
Republican Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, who is leading the
effort to repeal the rule, said it would "drive up costs for
consumers, increase vehicle costs, and hurt good-paying jobs."
The new EPA rules target heavy-duty truck and engine
manufacturers by tightening yearly emissions limits and changing
key provisions of existing rules to ensure emissions reductions
in long-term road use. The rules toughen test procedures,
regulatory useful life requirements and emission-related
warranties.
"It's really important, especially for protecting the health of
the 72 million people living near truck freight routes in
America," EPA Administrator Michael Regan told Reuters in
December.
The rule would reduce smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx)
emissions by as much as 48% by 2045, he added.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler and
Stephen Coates)
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