Repeal of Emissions Rule for Super-Polluting Glider Kits Would Result in Preventable Deaths, Lung Cancer, Asthma Attacks

On October 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) transmitted to the White House Office of Management and Budget a proposed rule to repeal emission requirements for glider vehicles, engines and kits used for refurbishing tractor trailers, essentially creating a loophole for pollution from these heavy-duty trucks, which can be 20 to 40 times higher than new trucks meeting the current standards. American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer issued the following statement in response:

"With the proposal to repeal the air pollution limits for glider vehicles, engines and kits used for refurbishing tractor trailers, EPA issues another devastating blow to air quality and public health, giving older dirty heavy-duty trucks a license to pollute the air we all breathe with nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that can cause asthma attacks, lung cancer and premature death – as well as carbon pollution that causes climate change.

"Repealing these emission requirements for glider vehicles, engines and kits can emit 20 to 40 times the pollution compared to trucks that meet the current standards. According to prior EPA analysis, the pollution released over the lifetime of refurbished heavy-duty trucks sold in one year will result in a conservative estimate of up to 1,600 premature deaths that could have been prevented. The most vulnerable populations include children, as well as people living with lung disease or cardiovascular disease.

"We urge EPA Administrator Pruitt to prioritize protecting public health and withdraw this proposed air pollution loophole for heavy-duty trucks."