EPA Lets California Be Even More Annoying About Car Emissions
Published Date: 1/6/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA just gave California the green light to enforce its Advanced Clean Cars II rules, which means car makers selling in California will need to meet tougher pollution and clean car standards. This decision helps push cleaner, greener vehicles on the road, starting soon, and could save money on health and environmental costs down the line. If anyone wants to challenge this, they have until March 7, 2025, to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA Approves California ACC II Waiver
On December 17, 2024, the EPA granted California a Clean Air Act section 209 waiver allowing California to enforce its Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulations for new 2026 and subsequent model year light- and medium-duty on-road vehicles in California.
Manufacturers Must Sell More ZEVs Starting 2026
The ACC II ZEV program requires vehicle manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles beginning with the 2026 model year; manufacturers may meet up to 20 percent of their sales requirement using plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) that meet specified requirements.
Stricter LEV IV Emissions Standards Applied
ACC II’s LEV IV requirements apply fleet-average exhaust and evaporative emission standards solely to internal combustion engine vehicles (excluding ZEVs from the fleet calculation), reduce the maximum allowed exhaust and evaporative emission rates, and apply emissions standards to a broader range of in-use driving conditions to reduce cold-start emissions.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12299 — Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Commonwealth of Kentucky
The President has updated the disaster declaration for Kentucky’s severe winter storm from January 23-27, 2026, adding Adair and Casey counties to the list of areas eligible for public assistance. This means more communities can get help recovering, with physical loan applications due by July 28, 2026, and economic injury loans available until March 1, 2027. If you’re in these counties, now’s the time to apply and get the support you need!
2026-12235 — Advisory Committee; Science Board to the Food and Drug Administration; Renewal
The FDA is renewing its Science Board for two more years, keeping expert advice flowing to help ensure safe and effective drugs and products. This renewal affects scientists and public health folks who guide the FDA’s big decisions, with the new term lasting until June 26, 2028. No extra costs or delays are expected—just more smart brains working for your health!
2026-12238 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packaging, Labeling, or Holding Operations for Dietary Supplements
The FDA is asking for public feedback by July 20, 2026, on their rules that keep dietary supplements safe and made right. These rules affect companies that make, package, label, or store supplements, helping ensure products are high quality without adding extra costs. This review keeps the safety standards up-to-date and clear for everyone involved.
2026-12241 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
NARA wants to renew approval for a form that helps the FOIA Ombuds office get your okay before sharing info to solve Freedom of Information Act requests. This affects anyone asking for government records and means you might soon be able to submit consent forms online, making the process smoother. Comments on this plan are open until July 20, 2026, with no new costs involved.
2026-12285 — 737th Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS)
The Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) is meeting July 8-10, 2026, to focus on updating how nuclear reactors get licensed and checked for safety. They’re trimming down their work to only the most important and new issues, thanks to a recent government order. This means faster, smarter reviews that affect nuclear plant operators and the public, with meetings open for remote participation and no big cost changes expected.
2026-12336 — PacifiCorp; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Intent To Waive Scoping, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, and Terms and Conditions
PacifiCorp wants to keep running its Ashton Hydroelectric Project on the Snake River in Idaho without a full license, and the government is ready to review the environmental impact. Local communities, environmental groups, and energy users can share their thoughts or raise concerns by August 14, 2026. This move could speed up clean energy production while protecting the river, with decisions and replies wrapping up by late September.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2024-31125 — California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The “Omnibus” Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision
The EPA just gave California the green light to enforce its new tough rules that cut pollution from big trucks, engines, and off-road diesel machines. This means cleaner air for everyone, but manufacturers will need to meet these stricter standards soon. If anyone wants to challenge this decision, they have until March 7, 2025, to speak up.
Next: 2024-31231 — Commercial Leasing for Wind Power Development on the Guam Outer Continental Shelf-Call for Information and Nominations
The government is asking people and companies if they’re interested in leasing ocean space near Guam to build wind farms. If you want to join the wind power party or have info about the area, you need to speak up by April 7, 2025. This could lead to new clean energy projects and business opportunities offshore Guam, so get ready to ride the wind wave!