NGVAmerica Statement on California’s Proposed ACT Regulation

Argues for Near-Zero Ultra Low-NOx Engines to Remain Included in ‘Near Zero’ Definition

Sacramento, CA – NGVAmerica Director of State Affairs Sherrie Merrow provided the following testimony during today’s California Air Resources Board (CARB) web-based Board Meeting concerning its proposed Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Regulation:


“This rule is incomplete without an addition to the definition of ‘near-zero-emission vehicle,’ or NZEV, to include the currently certified low NOx 0.02-gram engine, and corresponding changes to the NZEV credit provisions, such that near-term air quality benefits are incentivized in this rulemaking.

“Since tailpipe emissions in the California transportation sector continue to increase, it is imperative that all appropriate available measures be taken to reverse this trend. Near-Zero, Low-NOx engines utilizing renewable natural gas are available today for every medium- and heavy-duty application, and their increased deployment will immediately reduce emissions.

“These vehicles are potentially carbon-neutral and even carbon-negative depending on the RNG source.
And they are most affordable with a mature, established refueling infrastructure already in place, meaning more vehicles on the road sooner at less public cost.

“Without this addition to the NZEV definition, how does this regulation achieve near-term air quality and immediate public health benefits? It will be decades before its impact is felt, if ever.

“Other states, spending less and using all appropriate technologies available today, have successfully reduced emissions immediately in concert with the promotion of new technologies for the future.”