Hey folks, did you hear about the little proposal tucked away in the EPA’s new auto emissions rules? No? Well, let me tell you, it’s a big deal. Basically, the EPA is giving California even more power to regulate emissions from diesel-powered trains than the federal government. And why is this important? Well, those stricter limits could help communities affected by pollution from rail yards, ports and other freight corridors. So, basically, this is great news for everyone who likes breathing clean air.

Now, the proposal might set up a legal battle with the rail industry, which believes California lacks the authority to regulate them. But, hey, let’s be real here, rail yards and ports are contributing significant amounts of air pollution in communities. And, as environmentalists have said, we need to put public health benefits before industry concerns.

So, what’s the deal with the proposal anyway? Well, the EPA is saying it might let California set tougher emissions limits for around 12,000 trains operating in the state. And, if the proposal is approved, the Clean Air Act preempts California from setting tougher emissions standards than the federal government. But, never fear, the EPA has already given California waivers to enforce stricter emissions rules for passenger cars and trucks. So, this is just another step to a cleaner future.

Let’s look at some data here. Sure, freight railroads only account for roughly 0.5 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. But, and it’s a big but, they account for a significant share of air pollution in communities near rail yards and ports. And, who wants to live in an area with dirty air? Not me, that’s for sure. According to the California Air Resources Board, the proposed rules will reduce emissions by over 30 percent by 2037. Plus, get this, it would lower cancer risk in communities near rail yards by more than 90 percent and prevent around 3,000 premature deaths from air pollution. That’s some serious public health benefits, folks.

Now, if the board approves the proposed rules, then the rail industry is probably going to sue over the regulations. And if that happens, then the EPA could get caught up in legal issues. But, as they say, no good thing comes easy. And, hey, with this proposal, we are taking a necessary position that will benefit everyone in the long run.

So, keep an eye out for how things progress with this proposal. Let’s hope it will be a step towards cleaner air for all. And let’s also hope the rail industry doesn’t give us too much trouble. After all, we just want to breathe easy, right?

Serious News: washingtonpost