America relies on the trucking industry to deliver the essential products that keep our country moving. Truckers move over 70% of the nation’s freight by weight, and support almost 8 million jobs nationwide. Without trucks, our economy would grind to a halt.
This is why you should know the EPA recently proposed a rule change that would tighten air quality standards for a pollutant known as PM2.5. Everyone supports clean air, but the U.S. already has some of the world’s strongest environmental regulations. More regulation means higher costs for everyone. Additionally, states that fall short of the new EPA standard face a series of penalties, including possible loss of federal funding for highways and other vital infrastructure.
That’s a threat to the entire supply chain, risking jobs and the broader economy.
The proposed EPA standards are unnecessary given significant progress already made to reduce emissions. Vehicle and transportation-related emissions are down nearly 90% in recent decades.
The Arizona Trucking Association supports sensible regulation that balances the need for a strong economy and clean environment. We call on the EPA to abandon its job-killing proposal for PM2.5.
Tony Bradley is President & CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association