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MassDEP hears split testimony as municipalities seek longer delays and health groups push to keep heavy-duty vehicle rules
Summary
At a Dec. 9 MassDEP online hearing, municipal officials urged longer delays or exemptions for public works and contractors to avoid service interruptions and high costs; environmental and health groups opposed delays, citing large public-health benefits from timely implementation of the Heavy Duty Omnibus and Advanced Clean Truck rules.
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on Dec. 9 heard more than two hours of oral testimony on emergency amendments to 310 CMR 7.40 implementing portions of California’s heavy-duty vehicle standards, with speakers sharply divided over whether to delay or keep the rules.
Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton told the department she supports the goals but warned that "with the current timelines, the regulations are actually likely to backfire," citing high vehicle costs, limited availability and local grid constraints that could leave municipalities unable to operate essential equipment. "The cost for medium and heavy duty CEVs are essentially double the cost of the current, clean diesel vehicles," Fuller said, calling for at least two additional model years before full implementation.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association and multiple public-works directors urged broader exemptions for public works and contract operators and longer delays than the department’s one-year postponement. Mark Valente, Lexington’s manager of operations,…
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