California Abandons Regulations Phasing Out Diesel Trucks

Critics of the strict air regulation plan are applauding regulators’ decision to withdraw a waiver request from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Diesel trucks and cars pass windmills along the 10 freeway near Banning, Calif., on Dec. 8, 2009. David McNew/Getty Images

California’s Air Resources Board sent a letter on Jan. 14 to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, withdrawing its prior waiver request that would have forced a transition from diesel to zero-emission trucks in the state.

The federal environmental agency responded to the board’s withdrawal request on Jan. 14 with notice that no further action will be taken, and the matter is considered closed.