For Immediate Release
November 8, 2022
Media Contact: Anjuli.Ramos@sierraclub.org | 267-399-6422
DEP Announces New Low NOx Omnibus Rule, Diesel Vehicle Inspection Tests and Procedures and Ground Level Ozone State Implementation Plan Revision
The New Jersey Sierra Club applauds the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for proposing to incorporate by reference California's Model Year 2027 or Later Heavy-Duty New Engine and Vehicle Standards and Requirements, otherwise known as the Omnibus Rule.
The proposed rule will be incorporated by reference California’s emission standards and supporting requirements for new model year 2027 and later gasoline and diesel engines and vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 8,500 pounds. This rulemaking is important to reducing toxic air pollution as it will ensure that any new gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles rated in excess of 8,500 pounds GVWR sold in New Jersey will be subject to the most stringent emission standards that are technically feasible for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The proposal also includes components that will ensure that all heavy-duty vehicles are subject to the same emission inspection procedures and standards, amend the definition of gross vehicle weight rating, and constitutes a revision to New Jersey’s State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the attainment and maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground level ozone.
“This is the first significant update to NOx and PM emission standards and requirements in close to 20 years for the heavy-duty sector in NJ. The proposed rule will complement the work currently underway by the Advance Clean Trucks rule adopted late last year which accelerates the sales of zero emissions heavy-duty vehicles. The Low NOx Omnibus rule will target the emissions of those diesel and gasoline trucks that are still on the road to the most stringent standards while we transition to the electrification of our heavy-duty sector,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, New Jersey Director of the Sierra Club. “We thank the NJDEP for incorporating this rule by reference and for the necessary work on trying to get NJ to attainment status for ground level ozone under the state implementation plan. We now urge the NJDEP to incorporate by reference Advanced Clean Cars 2, the next logical step in tackling our biggest source of greenhouse gases and air pollution in NJ, our vehicles.”
“This is a crucial step in helping to improve air quality in the state, which we know is also crucial to Environmental Justice Communities, who are in desperate need to breathe clean air, we must continue to work together to ensure that we all breathe clean air” said Renée Pollard, chair of the NJ Sierra Club’s Environmental and Social Justice Committee.
If you are interested in testifying on the rule at the virtual public hearing, email the DEP at monica.miranda@dep.nj.gov no later than 5:00 P.M. on December 6, 2022, and include your contact information (name, organization, telephone number, and email address). Written comments are due by January 6, 2023 and can be submitted electronically at www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments.
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About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information about our work in New Jersey, visit www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey.