On the recordApril 26, 2023
I rise today in strong opposition to S.J. Res. 11, the Congressional Review Act resolution to disapprove of the Biden administration's clean air standards for heavy-duty trucks. If enacted, this resolution would wipe away EPA's most recent final rule that addresses smog- and soot-forming pollution from our largest trucks and engines. The resolution could also prevent the Agency from ever issuing similar standards in the future. This Congressional Review Act resolution is bad for public health. It is bad for our economy. As many of us know, the transportation sector is one of our Nation's largest sources of nitrogen oxides, also known as NO<INF>X</INF> emissions. Heavy-duty vehicles--such as our schoolbuses and long-haul trucks--make up a third of mobile source NO<INF>X</INF> emissions. Nitrogen oxide pollution is one of the main contributors to ozone pollution, or smog, and also contributes to soot pollution. These harmful air pollutants are linked to increased risks of asthma attacks, respiratory disease, and, sadly, in some cases, premature death. In December 2022, I joined clean air advocates, labor leaders, and EPA Administrator Regan as he signed the final rule to reduce this pollution from new heavy-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027. This was the first time in more than 20 years that EPA had updated the heavy-duty vehicle NO<INF>X</INF> requirements.…





